Politics

How Trump’s Feud Threatens Colombia: Tariffs, Aid Cuts, and Citizen Fears

Trump and Petro clash; US threatens tariffs, aid cuts. Colombians fear economic and social impacts from the feud.

October 20, 2025, 6:41 PM

Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, stands at a podium in a white shirt, addressing the United Nations General Assembly.

President Gustavo Petro of Colombia addresses the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly. By Saku_rata160520 / Shutterstock.com.

Executive Summary

An escalating diplomatic dispute has emerged between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro, fueled by Trump’s accusations of drug production encouragement and threats of economic retaliation.

President Trump’s threats to cut crucial anti-drug aid and impose higher tariffs on Colombia are causing significant economic anxiety, potentially leading to job losses and hindering anti-drug efforts.

In response to the escalating feud, Colombia has recalled its ambassador to the US for consultations, with citizens expressing deep worry about the economic and social repercussions.

The Story So Far

The escalating diplomatic dispute between Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro is not new, stemming from a history of public disagreements, including President Petro’s past calls for US officials to face criminal proceedings and the revocation of his visa. The current tensions are primarily driven by Donald Trump’s accusations that Colombia is failing in its efforts to combat drug cartels, leading to his threats to cut the significant annual US anti-drug aid and impose higher tariffs. These potential actions are causing widespread anxiety in Colombia due to the US being its largest trading partner and a crucial provider of anti-drug funding, which could severely impact Colombia’s economy and social welfare.

Why This Matters

The escalating diplomatic dispute between President Trump and Colombian President Petro threatens significant economic and social repercussions for Colombia, potentially leading to job losses and company bankruptcies if President Trump imposes tariffs on key exports, given the US is Colombia’s largest trading partner. Furthermore, the proposed cut to $450 million in annual US aid would severely undermine Colombia’s crucial anti-drug trafficking efforts, while also causing anxiety among citizens regarding personal matters like visa access and straining bilateral relations, as evidenced by Colombia’s recall of its ambassador.

Who Thinks What?

President Trump accuses President Petro of being “an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs” and threatens to cut vital US subsidies and impose higher tariffs on Colombia for its perceived failure in combating drug cartels.

President Petro counters Donald Trump’s accusations, calling him “rude and ignorant” towards Colombia, and previously called for US officials, including Trump, to face “criminal proceedings” over US strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats.

Colombian citizens express significant frustration and worry about the potential economic and social repercussions of the dispute, fearing job losses, company bankruptcies due to tariffs, and difficulties with visas, while public opinion is divided on who bears more responsibility for the diplomatic tension.

Colombians are expressing significant frustration and worry amidst an escalating diplomatic dispute between President Donald Trump of the United States and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The feud has seen President Trump threaten to cut vital subsidies and impose higher tariffs on Colombia, citing its perceived failure in combating drug cartels, while President Petro has responded with strong criticism.

Diplomatic Spat Intensifies

The latest escalation occurred after President Trump accused President Petro on Truth Social of being “an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs.” President Petro countered by calling Trump “rude and ignorant” towards the South American nation. These remarks are the latest in a series of public disagreements between the two leaders.

Previous clashes include President Petro’s call in September for US officials, including Trump, to face “criminal proceedings” over US strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats. The US subsequently revoked President Petro’s visa after he spoke at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged US soldiers to disobey Trump’s orders.

Economic and Social Repercussions Feared

The potential imposition of new tariffs has sparked widespread anxiety in Colombia. The United States is Colombia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 30% of its exports. Key products such as oil, coffee, flowers, gold, fruits, and manufactured goods heavily rely on US purchases. An increase in tariffs would make these exports more expensive, potentially leading to job losses and company bankruptcies, according to local citizens.

Ángel Duarte, a Colombian taxi driver, voiced concerns, stating, “I don’t think it’s right that the just pay for the sinners. If Trump imposes more tariffs, many jobs will be lost, and many companies will go bankrupt.” Beyond trade, citizens also fear impacts on personal matters, with Sofia Anaya, a housewife, expressing worry about the ability to obtain or renew visas to visit family in the United States.

Anti-Drug Aid and Public Opinion

President Trump’s threat to cut funding could significantly impact Colombia’s efforts against drug trafficking. The US currently provides approximately $450 million annually in economic and military assistance, crucial for the eradication of illicit crops like coca and opium poppies. While Trump has not specified which funding items would be cut, such a reduction would remove Colombia’s largest provider of anti-drug aid.

Public opinion in Colombia is divided on who bears more responsibility for the diplomatic tension. University student Gustavo Cuesta criticized President Trump, stating, “Calling President Gustavo Petro a drug trafficking leader is an insult to the entire country. And it must be rejected. Trump is not the owner of the world. One must show respect.” Conversely, Sofia Anaya believes President Petro brought the situation upon himself due to his past criticisms of Trump. Retiree Javier Gaitán offered a dual critique, suggesting both presidents “speak without considering the consequences,” while drug traffickers remain unaffected.

Looking Ahead

The escalating feud has prompted diplomatic action, with Colombia recalling its ambassador to the US, Daniel Garcia Pena Jaramillo, to Bogotá for consultations. Colombian Foreign Relations Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo announced that relations between the two nations would be addressed, with meetings between both governments expected in the coming days. The ongoing diplomatic dispute highlights the significant impact political rhetoric can have on trade, aid, and the daily lives of citizens in both nations.