Something Bad Is Brewing on Venezuela’s Border
emactaggart
Wed, 01/14/2026 – 12:48
Around 4:40 a.m. on Jan. 6, just a few days after the U.S. capture of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, armed men intercepted a bus carrying civilians and several policemen on the main highway near Tibú, a town on the Colombian side of the border with Venezuela. They ordered passengers to hand over their phones for inspection, and then proceeded to kidnap five police officers.
The full article can be read on The New York Times website.
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Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump – Potential Interactions (as of January 15, 2026)
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The image depicts Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former US President Donald Trump. As of January 15,2026,there have been no official meetings or formal diplomatic engagements between Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump since Trump left office in january 2021. However, the potential for future interactions exists should Trump be re-elected in the 2024 US Presidential election.
Gustavo Petro’s Presidency (2022 - Present)
Gustavo Petro assumed the presidency of Colombia on August 7, 2022, marking the first time a leftist leader has held the office in the country’s history. Presidencia de la República de Colombia. His administration has focused on social reforms, including land redistribution, healthcare expansion, and a transition away from fossil fuels.
Detail: Petro’s policies represent a meaningful shift from previous Colombian governments, which traditionally maintained close ties with the United States and prioritized economic liberalization. His proposals for drug policy reform,including a move away from US-backed eradication programs,have been particularly noteworthy. Reuters.
Example: In September 2022, Petro proposed a new approach to drug policy, advocating for a shift from eradication to harm reduction and focusing on addressing the root causes of drug trafficking. Reuters.
Donald Trump’s Political Status (2021 – 2026)
Donald Trump served as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021. The White House Historical Association. Following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, he has remained a prominent figure in the Republican Party and announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. As of January 15,2026,the results of the 2024 election are known,with Trump having been inaugurated for a second term on January 20,2025.
Detail: During his first term, Trump pursued an ”America First” foreign policy, characterized by skepticism towards multilateral institutions and a focus on bilateral agreements. His administration implemented stricter immigration policies and renegotiated trade deals, including the North american Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Example: In 2018, the Trump administration renegotiated NAFTA, resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).United States Trade representative.
Potential US-Colombia Relations Under a second Trump Administration
Given Trump’s past policies and rhetoric, a second Trump administration could lead to a re-evaluation of US-Colombia relations.
Definition / Direct Answer: A second Trump administration could possibly lead to increased pressure on Colombia regarding drug policy and trade, and a shift in the nature of security cooperation.
Detail: Trump has previously criticized Colombia for its role in drug production and has threatened to withhold aid if the country does not take stronger action against drug trafficking. his focus on bilateral trade agreements could also lead to demands for concessions from Colombia. NBC News.
Example: In 2019, President trump threatened to decertify Colombia as a major partner in the fight against drugs, citing concerns about increased coca cultivation. NBC News.
Current Status (January 15, 2026)
As of January 15, 2026, there have been no publicly announced meetings or official communications between President Petro and President Trump following Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.The relationship remains one of potential, with the possibility of both cooperation and conflict depending on policy decisions made by both administrations. U.S. Department of State – Colombia.
Note: This analysis is based on information available as of January 1
