A Diplomatic Shift: Trump and Petro Meet Amidst Past Tensions
The relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro has seen a notable shift, culminating in a recent meeting at the White House. This encounter follows months of public disagreement, including strong criticism from Trump regarding Petro’s policies and accusations of involvement in the drug trade. The meeting, held on February 3rd, 2026, lasted over two hours and was conducted with limited attendance and no media access, signaling a cautious approach to rebuilding trust.
The dynamic between the two leaders was further highlighted by an incident during a previous White House lunch on October 21, 2025. Senator Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, born in Colombia, presented Trump with a document titled “The Trump Doctrine For Colombia and the Western Hemisphere.” This outline included policy proposals and digitally generated images depicting Petro and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in prison uniforms. The images, reportedly created using artificial intelligence, sparked significant diplomatic friction, prompting Petro to recall his ambassador to the U.S.
During the February 3rd meeting, a seemingly innocuous exchange brought the earlier incident back into focus. According to Colombian Ambassador to Washington, Daniel García-Peña, President Petro mentioned the number of Colombians living in the United States who expressed a desire to return home. Senator Moreno responded, stating he preferred to remain in the U.S. This prompted a surprised reaction from President Trump, who reportedly believed Moreno was Italian.
President Petro then clarified that Moreno was, in fact, Colombian, a revelation that reportedly caught Trump off guard. Petro later recounted the moment with a touch of humor, stating, “I put him in a problem, the poor man, because I didn’t know that he had hidden the fact that he was Colombian from his boss, Mr. Trump.” García-Peña added that Trump expressed surprise at Moreno’s Colombian nationality, stating he had previously thought the senator was Italian.
Senator Moreno, however, offered a different account of the exchange. He stated that during his initial meeting with Trump in 2020, the President had inquired about his name and then remarked, “You’re Italian.” Moreno clarified that Trump had held that belief for six years and acknowledged that the President now understood his Colombian heritage. “Obviously, he understands that,” Moreno said.
The meeting itself covered a range of topics, including security, the fight against drug trafficking, clean energy initiatives, and the situation in Venezuela. Petro described the discussion as positive, stating, “One can be very different, but what brings us together is freedom.” He also expressed optimism about the future of the bilateral relationship and the potential for cooperation on regional issues.
Specifically, Petro revealed he requested assistance from Trump in “reconciling” with Ecuador regarding efforts to combat drug trafficking. This suggests a willingness to collaborate on shared security concerns despite past disagreements. The meeting also touched upon the possibility of reactivating Venezuela’s economy, with Petro seeking U.S. Support, potentially through the lifting of sanctions.
The shift in tone between Trump and Petro represents a significant de-escalation in tensions. After months of public criticism and diplomatic strain, the White House meeting signals a potential willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. While the long-term impact of this engagement remains to be seen, the meeting provides a foundation for addressing shared challenges and fostering a more stable relationship between the United States, and Colombia.
