Gustavo Petro Criticizes Trump’s Misinformation on Colombia

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded sharply to remarks made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that Petro could face consequences similar to those imposed on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. During a press conference on Wednesday, Trump claimed that Colombia is significantly involved in drug production and warned Petro to “wise up” or risk being the next target in America’s war on drug cartels.

Petro characterized Trump’s comments as “very misinformed,” stating that they stem from a lack of understanding about Colombia’s complex relationship with drug trafficking. In a statement shared on social media platform X, originally in Spanish, he expressed concern over the misinformation reaching the President of the United States. “It’s a shame, because he dismisses the country that knows the most about cocaine trafficking,” Petro remarked, suggesting that Trump’s advisers are misleading him.

The Colombian leader emphasized that such statements undermine the respect owed to a democratically elected president. “This terrible misinformation leads him to make statements and take actions that cannot be directed at a president democratically elected by the majority of Colombian society,” he said.

Petro also criticized Trump’s military approach in the Caribbean, which includes strikes against boats suspected of drug trafficking. He argued that these actions do not represent an effective strategy against what Trump labels “narco-terrorism.” “It is not true that firing missiles at boat operators is fighting against narco-terrorists,” Petro stated, pointing out that many of these operators are impoverished individuals. He highlighted that those truly responsible for drug trafficking often reside in luxurious locations such as Dubai and Madrid, far removed from the operational realities in the Caribbean.

The Colombian president further elaborated on what he sees as a critical issue in the Americas, identifying the climate crisis as the “main security problem.” Petro’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and various Latin American countries regarding drug policy and security.

As the situation evolves, both leaders may continue to shape their narratives regarding drug trafficking and national security, reflecting broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.