Colombian President Gustavo Petro has emerged as the strongest international critic of the Trump administration’s military action in Venezuela. He described the operation as “abhorrent” and said it violated Latin American sovereignty. He compared the US action to crimes committed by historical “enslavers” and even Nazi Germany.
His remarks followed the US seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Petro’s response intensified an already tense relationship with US President Donald Trump. Trump has openly suggested that a military operation against Colombia “sounds good.”
While many leaders in the region responded cautiously, Petro chose confrontation. He used the Venezuela operation to expand his diplomatic and rhetorical attack on the White House.
Calls for Protests and International Action
On Wednesday, Petro urged Colombians to protest in defence of national sovereignty. He said Trump had insulted Colombia and threatened military intervention.
Petro also called for emergency consultations at the United Nations and the Organisation of American States. He went further and suggested armed resistance if Colombia came under attack. He framed the moment as a fight for the region’s independence.
Colombia Walks a Dangerous Line
Petro’s strategy has placed Colombia in a risky position. For decades, Colombia has been Washington’s closest ally in Latin America. Now, the relationship faces growing strain.
Petro hopes to gain domestic political support ahead of elections by standing up to the United States. At the same time, he must avoid actions that could damage security cooperation or provoke Trump into following through on his threats.
That contradiction became clear this week.
Quiet Diplomacy Behind the Scenes
As Petro criticised Trump publicly, senior officials in his government worked quietly to reassure Washington. They stressed that Colombia remains a key partner in US counter-narcotics efforts.
For more than 30 years, the two countries have worked together. They have targeted drug trafficking networks, fought armed groups, and supported economic development. Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine producer.
Colombia’s Strategic Leverage
Analysts say Colombia still holds influence over Washington. The country supplies much of the intelligence the US uses to disrupt drug routes through the Caribbean.
This makes it difficult for Washington to punish Bogotá without hurting its own interests.
“There are people trying to warn Trump that punishing Petro too harshly is different from punishing Colombia as a whole,” said Michael Shifter of the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington.
Shifter warned that targeting Colombia would weaken the fight against narcotics and harm US interests.
Trump’s Unpredictability Raises Risks
Despite Colombia’s leverage, uncertainty remains. Shifter said Trump’s behaviour complicates the situation. “He is impulsive, he shifts positions quickly, and his decisions are often driven by instinct rather than strategy,” he said.
Months of Growing Friction
Tensions between Petro and Trump have grown for months. Petro has rejected US military deportation flights. He urged American soldiers to defy Trump during a pro-Palestinian rally in New York.
He also condemned US strikes on suspected drug-running vessels as “murder.” In addition, he has clashed with Washington over Israel’s war in Gaza and US immigration policies.
Trump Hits Back Hard
Trump responded with sharp attacks. He used language once aimed at Maduro to criticise Petro. He called him a “lunatic” and an “international drug leader.”
Trump revoked Petro’s US visa. He imposed sanctions on Petro, his family members, and his interior minister. He cited alleged narcotics links. He also threatened to cut off US aid and impose tariffs on Colombian exports.
A Dangerous Standoff Emerges
With Venezuela as the immediate trigger, the dispute has now turned into a serious standoff. Petro’s defiance has energised supporters at home. However, it has also placed Colombia directly in Trump’s sights.
After Maduro’s removal, Trump pushed his rhetoric further. He described Petro as a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” He also warned of a possible US military operation on Colombian soil.
Petro Sees Political Opportunity
Petro appears to enjoy the clash, as long as it remains verbal. He faces strong opposition in Congress. His reforms have stalled. His promise of “total peace” with armed groups has faltered. He also faces key elections.
“He wants this stage where he is the clearest adversary, rhetorically or politically, to the U.S.,” said Sergio Guzman, a political risk analyst based in Bogotá.
High Stakes at Home
Petro cannot seek re-election in May due to constitutional limits. Still, he wants his leftist coalition to stay in power. The right-wing opposition blames his government for rising crime. Colombia will hold legislative elections in March. So far, Petro’s strategy seems to be working.
Opposition Rallies Behind Petro
As Trump increased his threats, even Petro’s critics came to his defence.
“Trump is misinformed and misfocused; his simplistic statements are counterproductive,” said Aníbal Gaviria, a right-wing presidential hopeful. “Colombia is not Venezuela, nor Cuba, nor Nicaragua.”
Experts say a US military move against Petro is unlikely. Unlike Maduro, Petro won a democratic election.
Growing Alarm in Bogotá
Still, Trump’s militaristic tone worries Colombian officials. He increasingly groups Colombia with Venezuela as a source of drugs and migrants.
“Whereas the Colombian institutions still maintain cooperation and have a lot to lose, Petro personally feels like that bridge has already burned,” said Elizabeth Dickinson of the International Crisis Group.
Concerns are also rising that Colombia could be pulled into a wider regional conflict. The country shares a long and volatile border with Venezuela. It also hosts millions of Venezuelan refugees.
Ministers Move to Calm Tensions
As Petro continued attacking Trump online, other ministers tried to ease the crisis. Interior and justice officials said they had informed US intelligence agencies that Colombia would keep working with Washington.
They said cooperation would continue “in the fight against drug trafficking based on U.S. information and technology.”
At a news conference, Defence Minister Pedro Sánchez said the dispute had not affected security cooperation. Washington has sent about $14 billion to Colombia over the past 20 years.
“Today, we have a golden opportunity to invest even more in strengthening international cooperation,” Sánchez said. He highlighted the destruction of thousands of cocaine labs and the interception of fentanyl shipments.
Colombia Prepares for Worst-Case Scenario
Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio said Colombia still seeks a diplomatic solution. She also warned that the country is preparing for possible US aggression.
“We have a highly trained, very well prepared army,” she said. Colombia’s military has long received training from the United States.