Colombia’s Petro and Trump’s Telephone Conversation

On January 8, 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro engaged in a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. This conversation has set the stage for a forthcoming meeting in Washington, D.C., amidst ongoing tensions and public disputes between the two leaders. The situation intensified following a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and his spouse.

Escalating Tensions

In the lead-up to their conversation, Trump made headlines by suggesting that he might consider a similar action in Colombia. He openly warned Petro to “watch his back,” emphasizing the ongoing issues related to cocaine production. “He has cocaine factories and he is sending it to the United States. He needs to watch his back,” Trump stated during a press conference.

A Change in Tone

However, during their recent call, the atmosphere shifted significantly. Trump described it as an “honor” to speak with Petro, indicating that the Colombian president provided explanations regarding drug-related matters and other disagreements between their nations. “I appreciated his call and tone, and I look forward to meeting him soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia’s Foreign Minister are coordinating details for the meeting at the White House,” Trump posted on his social media platform.

The Colombian embassy in the United States confirmed the call and expressed gratitude for the “constructive tone” emerging from the Washington dialogue. The embassy noted that the conversation focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and expanding the agenda of mutual interest, reinforcing Colombia’s openness to constructive dialogue guided by mutual respect and regional stability.

Key Discussion Points

Later that day, during a speech to thousands in Bogotá, Petro revealed that the phone call lasted an hour. He emphasized his government’s achievements in the battle against drugs and discussed the issues concerning Venezuela. “If we don’t have dialogue, we will have war… What happened today, after a long time, is that we spoke, and I re-established communication for the first time,” he stated.

Background and Controversies

Petro faced sanctions from the U.S. Treasury in October and was listed on the so-called Clinton List, which includes proven drug traffickers and terrorists. Following his claims regarding U.S. military actions against Colombians, Trump accused him of promoting drug production in Colombia and announced the suspension of financial assistance to the country.

To date, Washington has not provided evidence to support the allegations against Petro concerning drug trafficking. Additionally, his visa for travel to the U.S. was revoked after he called for U.S. military disobedience during a speech in New York. This past September, the U.S. removed Colombia from the list of countries combating drug trafficking for the first time in 30 years.

Conclusion

This telephone conversation marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Colombia relations, reflecting both the complexities involved and the potential for improved dialogue moving forward. Both leaders appear committed to addressing challenging issues surrounding drug trafficking and other bilateral concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump had a significant phone conversation aimed at improving U.S.-Colombia relations.
• The tone of their discussions shifted from accusations to a focus on cooperation.
• Both leaders acknowledged the need for dialogue to address crucial issues such as drug trafficking.
• The meeting in Washington is anticipated to further address the complexities of their relationship.