U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro exchanged sharp words over the deportation of Colombian migrants. Colombia blocked two U.S. deportation flights, prompting Trump to impose sanctions. In response, Petro declared, “The U.S. will never rule us.” Although Colombia later complied with U.S. demands, tensions between the two nations escalated.
Petro Opposes Deportation Flights
President Trump has prioritized the swift deportation of illegal migrants. However, Colombia pushed back, citing the mistreatment of deportees. Petro’s government blocked the flights, arguing that migrants should not be treated as criminals. He even offered Colombia’s presidential plane to transport deportees “with dignity.” Petro agreed to accept deportees on civilian flights but demanded respectful treatment. He highlighted that over 15,000 undocumented Americans live in Colombia and urged them to legalize their status instead of facing raids or deportation.
Petro Faces Domestic Criticism
Petro’s stance drew criticism at home. Former President Ivan Duque called the move “irresponsible.” He argued that Colombia has a moral duty to accept its citizens and warned that U.S. sanctions would harm the nation’s economy.
Trump Responds With Sanctions
Trump reacted swiftly after Colombia blocked the flights. On TruthSocial, he blamed Petro for endangering U.S. security by refusing to accept deportees. Trump announced a 25% tariff on Colombian imports, set to rise to 50% within a week. He also revoked visas for Colombian officials, their families, and allies. Additional measures included stricter inspections of Colombian cargo and nationals entering the U.S., as well as financial sanctions. “These measures are just the beginning,” Trump warned.
I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of Illegal Criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people.…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 26, 2025
Petro Fires Back
Petro responded defiantly on X, mocking the U.S. as “boring” and accusing Trump of valuing greed over humanity. He rejected claims of Colombian inferiority, stating, “I’m not, nor is any Colombian.” Petro dared Trump to attempt a coup and referenced U.S. interventions in Latin America. He said, “I resist torture, and I resist you,” while emphasizing Colombia’s commitment to freedom.
Trump, a mi no me gusta mucho viajar a los EEUU, es un poco aburridor, pero confieso que hay cosas meritorias, me gusta ir a los barrios negros de Washington, allí ví una lucha entera en la capital de los EEUU entre negros y latinos con barricadas, que me pareció una pendejada,…
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 26, 2025
Petro Invokes Colombian Culture and History
To reinforce his defiance, Petro invoked Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude. He described Colombia as the “land of yellow butterflies” and likened himself to Colonel Aureliano Buendia, a revolutionary leader in the novel. Petro also cited Simon Bolivar, Colombia’s first president, as a symbol of independence. He declared, “We value our freedom. You will never rule us.”
A Rocky Relationship Ahead
Although Colombia complied with U.S. demands, Petro’s strong rhetoric and Trump’s aggressive actions suggest future clashes. Both leaders remain steadfast in their positions, signaling a strained relationship between the two nations moving forward.
