BOGOTÁ, Colombia — A surprising détente has unfolded between U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, marked by a shift from open antagonism to public displays of camaraderie. Just months after Trump accused Petro of being a “drug trafficker” and hinted at potential military action, the two leaders met at the White House this week, emerging with promises of cooperation and a remarkably amicable tone.
The transformation followed a two-hour meeting on Tuesday, where, according to reports, both leaders focused on shared interests despite a history of sharp disagreements. A photograph shared by Petro on X showed the two shaking hands and smiling, a stark contrast to their previous exchanges. Trump’s accompanying message read: “Gustavo – A great honor – I love Colombia.” Petro later posted a photo of a signed copy of Trump’s “The Art of the Deal,” with the inscription: “You are great.”
The shift in tone appears to be the result of a carefully orchestrated strategy by the Petro administration, which included a series of concessions and symbolic gestures ahead of the meeting. Hours before traveling to Washington, Colombia extradited Andrés Felipe Marín Silva, alias ‘Pipe Tuluá,’ a major drug trafficker wanted by the U.S. Authorities. Simultaneously, Colombian forces launched strikes against ELN and FARC dissident groups near the Venezuelan border, aligning with the Trump administration’s aggressive campaign against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.
According to the Colombian ambassador to the United States, Daniel García-Peña, the Petro administration deliberately prioritized issues of concern to Trump during the meeting, setting aside topics like climate change and the situation in Gaza. The focus remained firmly on combating drug trafficking, energy cooperation, and regional stability, particularly concerning the borders with Ecuador and Venezuela.
Petro also presented Trump with a series of gifts, including a jaguar sculpture crafted by Amazonian artisans, an iguana adorned with gold and an emerald eye, a traditionally woven dress for First Lady Melania Trump, and a basket from the Chocó region. These gestures, while largely symbolic, contributed to a more relaxed atmosphere.
During the meeting, Trump reportedly expressed interest in potentially lifting sanctions on Colombian companies to facilitate gas exports to Venezuela, a move that could contribute to the stabilization of the neighboring country – a key objective for the U.S. Administration. Petro also reportedly refrained from raising issues such as his inclusion on the Clinton List or the revocation of his U.S. Visa, deferring those discussions for a later date.
The unexpected shift has prompted speculation in Colombia about the motivations behind Trump’s change of heart. Some observers suggest it is a strategic move aimed at securing cooperation on issues critical to U.S. Interests, such as containing drug trafficking and stabilizing Venezuela. Others believe it could be a calculated attempt to influence the upcoming Colombian elections.
The meeting also appeared to have a positive effect on some members of the U.S. Congress, with even some previous critics of Petro adopting a more conciliatory tone. Senator Bernie Moreno, who had previously labeled Petro a “terrorist,” expressed a willingness to work together.
“Much work remains to be done, but today was a step in the right direction,” Moreno said following the meeting.
Ambassador García-Peña emphasized the importance of diplomacy in achieving this outcome, noting that careful preparation and a focus on common ground were key to the success of the meeting. He added that the U.S. Still views Colombia as a key ally, despite past disagreements.
While the long-term implications of this newfound détente remain to be seen, the initial signs suggest a potential turning point in U.S.-Colombia relations. The meeting, according to García-Peña, was a “9 out of 10” and “the birth of a path where different powers can find common ground.”
