Petro Blasts Trump's Backing of 47-Year-Old De la Espriella Ahead of June 21 Runoff
Updated
Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jun 6
Petro Blasts Trump's Backing of 47-Year-Old De la Espriella Ahead of June 21 Runoff
3 articles · Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jun 6
Summary
Gustavo Petro accused Donald Trump of helping put "crime into political power" in Colombia by endorsing hard-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella before the June 21 presidential runoff.
Trump backed de la Espriella on Tuesday for his "tremendous accomplishments" and personal loyalty, but Petro said that support violated a February understanding that Washington would not interfere in the election.
De la Espriella, 47, stunned Petro's ally Iván Cepeda in Sunday's first round and has promised to deepen U.S.-Colombian ties while rejecting Petro's negotiations with guerrillas in favor of a military crackdown.
The clash revives a fraught U.S.-Colombia relationship already strained by disputes over cocaine production, migrant deportations and security policy, as election violence rises in areas still contested by armed groups.
How can a new US-led anti-drug alliance succeed in Latin America while excluding a key partner like Colombia?
Caught between a failed peace plan and an iron-fist model, what is Colombia's path to security without sacrificing human rights?
Trump’s Intervention in Colombia’s 2026 Election: Runoff Showdown Between De La Espriella and Cepeda Signals Regional Rightward Shift
Overview
Colombia is approaching a pivotal presidential runoff election on June 21, 2026, with two sharply contrasting candidates. Iván Cepeda, who upholds the progressive project started by outgoing President Gustavo Petro, promises to continue focusing on marginalized communities and social reforms. In contrast, Abelardo De La Espriella, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, represents a right-leaning, tough-on-crime approach and seeks stronger ties with the United States. The election has sparked controversy over foreign influence and concerns about electoral integrity, making it a decisive moment for Colombia’s future direction and its democracy.