Colombia has recalled its ambassador from Washington following escalating tensions with the United States after President Donald Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on the South American nation and cut all financial aid. The move marks a significant downturn in relations between Bogotá and Washington, sparked by U.S. military strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
Trump intensified the dispute by labeling Colombian President Gustavo Petro an “illegal drug leader,” a remark Bogotá called “offensive and unacceptable.” In response, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Peña has been recalled to Bogotá for consultations, with further actions to be announced soon.
The diplomatic fallout follows Petro’s strong condemnation of recent U.S. bombings in the Caribbean that reportedly killed civilians. Petro argued that one targeted vessel belonged to a “humble family,” refuting U.S. claims that it was linked to the leftist National Liberation Army (ELN). “Mr. Trump, Colombia has never disrespected the United States, but you are rude and ignorant toward Colombia,” Petro stated on X.
Although Trump threatened to impose new tariffs and suspend aid, details remain unclear. The U.S. had already curtailed assistance earlier this year following the closure of USAID operations. As of late Monday, no official tariff announcement had been made, though Petro met with U.S. charge d’affaires John McNamara in Bogotá.
The U.S. remains Colombia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 35% of its exports—mainly oil, coal, coffee, and flowers—and providing 70% of its imported goods. Colombia’s peso dropped 1.28% to 3,883 per dollar amid the political uncertainty. According to DANE, Colombia recorded a $338 million trade deficit with the U.S. between January and July, while U.S. investments reached $2.27 billion in the first half of the year.