Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to allow the entry of two planes with Colombian citizens deported from the U.S. unless they receive "dignified" treatment, which ignited a diplomatic crisis with U.S. President Donald Trump. In response, Trump ordered a 25% tariff on all Colombian products, with the threat of increasing it to 50% within a week.
In a lengthy letter to Trump, Petro expressed his defiant stance against the measures taken by the U.S. government. He stated that he will survive in his country and that the peoples of America will know how to resist. Additionally, he pointed out that Colombia is the country of beauty and the heart of the world, reciprocating the tariff increase ordered by Trump.
In light of the escalating tensions, former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called for moderation and dialogue between Petro and Trump, indicating that the diplomatic crisis benefits no one and highlighting the importance of building relationships based on mutual respect. Santos emphasized the need to avoid threats and accusations in relations between countries, especially among close allies like Colombia and the U.S.
Amid the controversy, Petro challenged Trump in his writing, declaring that he is not afraid of a possible coup and that the Americas will support him in the event of any aggression from the U.S. The Colombian president emphasized his determination to maintain the sovereignty of his country and to resist any attempt at foreign domination.
