In a surprising diplomatic turn, United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to his Colombian counterpart, President Gustavo Petro, for a meeting at the White House. This move comes just days after Trump issued stark threats of potential military action and sanctions against Colombia over allegations of drug trafficking.
From Threats to an Invitation
The invitation followed the first direct phone conversation between the two leaders since Trump assumed office in January 2026. The call took place on Wednesday night, marking a significant shift in tone after a week of escalating rhetoric.
Speaking on his Truth Social platform, President Trump acknowledged the discussion. "President Petro called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had," Trump stated. He added, "I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future at the White House."
A Week of Escalating Tensions
The proposed meeting unfolds against a backdrop of recently heightened tensions between Washington and Bogotá. The friction began last week when Trump warned Petro to "watch his ass" following a US military operation in neighbouring Venezuela. That operation was a surprise move aimed at removing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
Over the past weekend, the US President directed similar threats towards Colombia. He accused President Petro—without presenting public evidence—of involvement in drug trafficking and announced financial sanctions targeting the Colombian leader and his family. When questioned by reporters about the possibility of a military intervention in Colombia, Trump's response was blunt: "It sounds good to me."
These comments triggered a strong reaction from Bogotá. President Petro declared on Monday that he was prepared to "take up arms" in response to such threats. Colombia's deputy foreign minister, Mauricio Jaramillo, also cautioned that US military actions in the region risked provoking a "catastrophe" across Latin America.
Diplomatic Re-engagement Amidst Strain
Despite the previous fiery exchanges, President Petro has indicated his intention to accept the White House invitation, although a specific date for the meeting has not yet been set. Addressing supporters at a rally on Wednesday, Petro revealed that he had initially planned a tough response but softened his stance after what he described as an hour-long phone call with Trump.
According to Petro, he used the conversation to advocate for both nations to re-establish direct and high-level communication channels between their foreign ministries and presidents. This diplomatic outreach suggests a desire to de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue.
The relationship between Colombia and the United States has historically been one of close military and economic partnership. However, the recent developments have undoubtedly placed significant strain on their diplomatic relations, making the upcoming White House meeting a critical juncture for both countries.
