In a sharp response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats regarding Colombia’s refusal to allow military flights carrying deported migrants, Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized Trump’s approach to both policies and race relations. The exchange escalated tensions before Colombia reversed its decision and agreed to accept the migrant deportation flights, averting an imminent trade war.
Petro’s Viral Post and Bold Remarks
Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, took to social media to make his feelings clear, challenging Trump’s stance. In a post that went viral, he said, “One day, over a glass of whiskey, we can talk about this,” referring to their differences. Petro also stated that, in Trump’s eyes, he and his people were considered “inferior.”
The Colombian president further criticized Trump’s rhetoric, accusing the U.S. president of viewing Colombians as part of an “inferior race” and questioned the motives behind his policies, particularly regarding oil and greed. “I don’t like your oil, Trump, you are going to wipe out the human species because of greed,” Petro wrote, also adding that he accepted the invitation for a conversation over whiskey, despite his health issues.
Threat of Retaliatory Tariffs Suspended
The standoff between the two countries nearly led to significant trade penalties, including a proposed 25% tariff on all Colombian goods, with the potential to escalate to 50%. Additionally, Trump’s administration had considered imposing travel bans, visa revocations on Colombian officials, and emergency financial sanctions. However, following Colombia’s diplomatic move to ensure better migrant treatment, the White House suspended these retaliation measures.
Petro was adamant that these threats would not intimidate him. He emphasized that Colombia would not be dictated to by the U.S. and even suggested a collective response from the Americas and global humanity should Trump try to “overthrow” him as president.
Petro’s Defiance of U.S. Influence
Petro’s rhetoric echoed a strong sense of defiance. He rejected the idea of aligning with U.S. interests, stating, “You don’t like our freedom, okay. I don’t shake hands with white slavers. I shake hands with the white libertarian heirs of Lincoln and the black and white farm boys of the USA, at whose graves I cried and prayed.”
Petro’s words and actions underscore his resolve to resist external pressures and his belief in the sovereignty of Colombia, challenging Trump’s leadership and rhetoric on a global stage.
