Tensions Rise Between Trump and Petro Over Colombia's Rejection of U.S. Military Plane with Migrants

Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between the United States and Colombia, sparked by Colombian President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept a U.S. military aircraft carrying deported migrants from the United States to Colombia, President Donald Trump has swiftly voiced his reaction. Using his platform on Truth Social, Trump unleashed harsh criticisms and warned of retaliatory measures against Colombia.

Trump stated, "I have just been informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, carrying a large number of illegal criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order came from Colombia's socialist president, Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular among his people."

The current White House occupant claimed that "Petro's refusal of these flights has endangered the national and public security of the United States, prompting me to order my administration to immediately adopt the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures:

- An emergency 25% tariff on all products entering the United States. In a week, these tariffs will increase to 50%.

- Travel bans and immediate revocation of visas for Colombian government officials and all their allies and supporters.

- Visa sanctions on all members of the party, their families, and supporters of the Colombian government.

- Enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo for national security reasons.

- IEEPA: Full implementation of banking, financial, and treasury sanctions.

These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of criminals who forced their way into the United States!"

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also weighed in, describing Colombia's refusal to accept the flights as an irresponsible act contrary to previous agreements. Rubio stated, "President Petro had authorized the flights and had granted all necessary permits, but then canceled his authorization when the planes were already in the air. As today's actions demonstrate, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ending illegal immigration and enhancing the border security of the United States."

In response, Gustavo Petro issued an extensive statement defending Colombia's dignity and sovereignty while criticizing Trump's policies. In his declaration, Petro expressed his reluctance to travel to the U.S., although he acknowledged that "there are commendable things."

"I endured torture and I endure you. Colombia will not submit to slavers; we are a nation of freedom and dignity. If you impose a 50% tariff on the fruits of our labor, I will do the same. Colombia, the heart of the world, opens its arms to the world without fear," declared the Colombian leader.

Petro also highlighted Colombia's historical legacy of resistance and freedom, invoking figures like Simón Bolívar and events such as the struggle for the Panama Canal. His message concluded with a reaffirmation that Colombia will not yield to external pressures and will continue to promote freedom and humanity.

Soon after, on the social network X, Petro instructed his commerce minister to "raise import tariffs from the U.S. by 25%." "The ministry must help direct our exports to the rest of the world, away from the U.S. Our exports should expand. I invite all foreign Colombian communities to be marketers of our products," wrote the president.

Furthermore, he announced that "American products, whose prices will rise within the national economy, should be replaced by domestic production," revealing that "the government will assist in this endeavor."

In reference to Marco Rubio's statements, the Colombian president expressed, "I will never allow Colombians to be brought in handcuffed on flights. Marco, if that was permitted by foreign ministry officials, it was never under my instruction. They will be vassals. I am a man of freedom, not of chains."

Petro offered to use civilian aircraft, including the presidential plane, to repatriate deported Colombian citizens, emphasizing that he will not allow his compatriots to be treated as criminals. Additionally, he noted that over 15,000 Americans reside irregularly in Colombia, suggesting that cooperation on migration matters should be reciprocal.

The escalation of tensions has raised international concerns about the impact on commercial and political relations between the two countries. Analysts warn that the economic reprisals announced by Trump could have severe repercussions for Colombia, while Petro's stance underscores the South American country's determination not to succumb to external pressures.

In this complex scenario, the future of bilateral cooperation remains uncertain as tensions over migration management and national sovereignty intensify.