The political race in Colombia has taken a dramatic turn after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly declared his “total support” for presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, a move that has triggered controversy across the country and raised accusations of foreign interference in the electoral process.
Trump’s endorsement, posted on his social media platform Truth Social, praised de la Espriella as a “strong and intelligent leader” who would promote economic growth, job creation, tighter immigration controls, and a tougher stance on crime and drugs. He also framed the upcoming runoff election as crucial for Colombia’s future relationship with the United States, while warning against what he described as “radical left” political forces.
De la Espriella quickly welcomed the endorsement, calling it a major honor and expressing gratitude for what he described as Trump’s decisive support. The candidate, who has positioned himself on the far right of Colombia’s political spectrum, emphasized his alignment with U.S. interests and highlighted the importance of strengthening trade relations and security cooperation between the two countries. He also reiterated his admiration for Trump’s political agenda and leadership style.
The endorsement has sparked a strong reaction from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who condemned the intervention as unacceptable foreign influence in domestic politics. Petro argued that external involvement in national elections undermines democratic sovereignty and urged voters to make their choices freely without pressure or interference from abroad.
The controversy comes at a pivotal moment in Colombia’s presidential race, following a highly competitive first round in which de la Espriella secured a leading position ahead of the runoff scheduled for later this month. His opponent, Iván Cepeda, is supported by Petro and represents a left-leaning political platform, setting the stage for a sharply polarized second round.
Trump’s intervention also reflects a broader pattern of his engagement in Latin American politics, where he has openly supported conservative and far-right candidates in several countries. His statements on Colombia have further intensified domestic political tensions, particularly given existing divisions over security policy, economic reform, and relations with the United States.
As the runoff approaches, the U.S. endorsement has added a new layer of international attention to an already heated election, raising questions about the role of foreign political influence in shaping outcomes in one of South America’s most closely watched democratic contests.
