US President Donald Trump, has invited his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, to the White House, just days after issuing threats of military action over alleged drug trafficking.
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.”
Petro reacted strongly to the comments, saying on Monday that he was ready to “take up arms” in the face of such threats. Colombia’s deputy foreign minister, Mauricio Jaramillo, also warned that US military actions in the region could trigger a “catastrophe” across Latin America.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Petro said he intends to attend the White House meeting, although no date has been announced. Addressing supporters at a rally on Wednesday, he said he had initially planned to deliver a tough response but softened his tone after what he described as an hour-long phone call with Trump.
According to Petro, he used the call to urge both countries to re-establish direct communication between their foreign ministries and presidents.
Colombia and the United States have long maintained close military and economic ties, even as recent developments have strained diplomatic relations.
