Colombian President Gustavo Petro has rejected threats and accusations from United States President Donald Trump, who accused him of involvement in drug trafficking and hinted at possible military action against Colombia.
Trump made the remarks on Sunday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, days after US forces carried out a surprise military operation in Caracas that led to the removal of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and intensified tensions across the region.
Describing Colombia as “very sick,” Trump alleged that the country was being run by “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” claiming without evidence that Petro operated cocaine mills and factories.
Asked if Colombia could face military action similar to Venezuela, Trump said the idea “sounds good,” alleging that large numbers of people were being killed.
Petro swiftly dismissed the claims, insisting his name does not appear in any court records and accusing Trump of reckless rhetoric.
“Stop slandering me, Mr Trump,” Petro wrote on X, saying such threats were inappropriate against a Latin American president who emerged from armed struggle and Colombia’s quest for peace.
The Colombian leader has strongly condemned Washington’s military actions in the region, accusing the United States of abducting Maduro without legal justification.
In another post, Petro warned that “friends do not bomb,” underscoring his criticism of US interventionist policies.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry also weighed in, describing Trump’s comments as “unacceptable interference” and demanding respect for the country’s sovereignty.