In a dramatic diplomatic pivot, US President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Colombian President Gustavo Petro for a meeting at the White House. This comes merely days after Trump publicly mused about a potential US military operation targeting Colombia's government.
From Threats to an Invitation: A Sudden Diplomatic Shift
The invitation was announced by Trump on Wednesday, following a phone call between the two leaders. This conversation marked their first direct contact since Trump's incendiary comments on Sunday, where he stated that a US military operation focused on Colombia's government "sounds good" to him. That threat itself followed the extraordinary US capture of Venezuela's president, who was flown to the US to face drug charges.
"It was a great honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had," Trump wrote on social media. He added that he "appreciated his call and tone" and looks forward to a meeting. Trump confirmed that arrangements are being made for Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, to visit Washington, though no specific date was provided.
A History of Frosty Relations and Heated Accusations
Relations between Trump and Petro have been intensely strained since the Republican leader returned to the White House in January 2025. Trump has repeatedly, and without providing evidence, accused Petro's administration of enabling a steady flow of cocaine into the United States. These accusations culminated in the US imposing sanctions on the Colombian leader in October 2024.
The rhetoric reached a new low just days ago when Trump referred to Petro as "a sick man, who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States." Tensions were further inflamed earlier when the US revoked Petro's visa in September 2024. This action came after Petro participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and called on US soldiers to disobey Trump's orders.
Petro's Stance and the Path Forward
From Bogotá, President Petro addressed supporters at a rally celebrating Colombian sovereignty. He confirmed the historic call, stating, "We have spoken by phone for the first time since he became president," and revealed he had requested a restart of dialogue between the two nations. A source within Petro's office described the call to Reuters as "cordial" and "respectful."
Petro has been a vocal critic of Trump's policies, particularly regarding Israel's war in Gaza, which he has accused Trump of being "complicit in genocide." He has also called for criminal proceedings over US missile strikes on suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean. The Trump administration has carried out more than 30 such strikes since September, a campaign reported to have killed at least 110 people.
Whether this invitation leads to a genuine thaw or remains a brief pause in a hostile relationship is yet to be seen. The world will be watching closely when the two leaders finally sit face-to-face in Washington.
