Colombia recalled its ambassador to the US after President Donald Trump said he would raise tariffs and stop US payments, sending the peso down 1.4% to 3,889 per dollar.
The Foreign Ministry said “Daniel Garcia-Pena, Ambassador of Colombia in the United States of America, has been recalled for consultations by President Gustavo Petro and is now in Bogota,” adding that decisions would follow “in the coming hours.”
The latest escalation began when Trump labeled Petro an “illegal drug leader,” promised to end aid, and said new tariffs would be unveiled today. Reports note that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced another strike on a vessel he linked to the ELN, while Petro said a recent blast killed three civilians and that the boat belonged to a local family.
“Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the United States… but you are rude and ignorant to Colombia,” wrote Petro on X, rejecting the accusation that he is a drug trafficker.
UN data show Colombia’s coca area rose 10% in 2023 to 253,000 hectares and potential cocaine output jumped 53% year over year to roughly 2,664 metric tons, numbers Washington points to in pressing for tougher interdiction while Petro pursues “total peace” and rural investment.
Aid and sanctions are now central to the standoff. Trump has said US assistance will be cut, and this comes after an administration-wide freeze that effectively shuttered USAID operations this year, disrupting programs in Colombia and elsewhere.
Colombia is a non-NATO ally, designated in 2022, and it is a significant US partner, following Brazil as largest in South America by goods trade. Official USTR figures put 2024 US–Colombia goods trade at $36.6 billion.
Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
