Trump Predicts Stronger US-Colombia Ties as de la Espriella Leads by 0.96 Points
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Trump Predicts Stronger US-Colombia Ties as de la Espriella Leads by 0.96 Points
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Summary
Trump said he expects a “much better relationship” with Colombia after preliminary results showed right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella ahead in Sunday’s runoff by 0.96 percentage points.
That margin is the narrowest in recent Colombian history, and rival Iván Cepeda has not conceded, saying he will wait for cross-checking that usually takes several days.
De la Espriella, whom Trump endorsed, campaigned on closer US security cooperation, including joining the Shield of the Americas, bombing drug gangs and allowing US military bases in Colombia.
The shift would follow years of friction with outgoing President Gustavo Petro, whose clashes with Trump deepened strains between the two longtime allies; de la Espriella takes office on August 7.