Trump invites Colombia president to White House after issuing threats

The invitation followed the first phone conversation between both leaders since Trump took office in January. Speaking on Wednesday night, Trump said he was arranging to meet Petro “in the near future.”

“President Petro called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future at the White House.”

The move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Bogotá after Trump last week warned Petro to “watch his ass” following US military action in neighbouring Venezuela, where American forces carried out a surprise operation to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

Over the weekend, Trump extended similar threats toward Colombia, accusing Petro—without presenting evidence—of involvement in drug trafficking and announcing financial sanctions against the Colombian leader and his family. When asked whether a military intervention in Colombia was possible, Trump said, “It sounds good to me.”

The move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Bogotá after Trump last week warned Petro to “watch his ass” following US military action in neighbouring Venezuela, where American forces carried out a surprise operation to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

Over the weekend, Trump extended similar threats toward Colombia, accusing Petro—without presenting evidence—of involvement in drug trafficking and announcing financial sanctions against the Colombian leader and his family. When asked whether a military intervention in Colombia was possible, Trump said, “It sounds good to me.”