From Feud to Diplomacy: Gustavo Petro Meets Donald Trump in Washington After Year of Tensions

Washington, D.C. – February 3, 2026 – Colombian President Gustavo Petro arrived in Washington on Monday for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, signaling a dramatic thaw in relations following a year marked by insults, sanctions, and diplomatic clashes.

Petro accepted Trump’s invitation last month after a cordial phone call that appeared to reverse months of escalating rhetoric between the two leaders. The encounter comes at a critical moment for Colombia, as Petro seeks to reassure Washington of his government’s control over drug trafficking and to push for the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed on him and his administration.

A Year of Discord

Tensions began in January 2025, shortly after Trump began his second presidential term. A mass deportation campaign targeting undocumented immigrants sparked Petro’s initial resistance, leading to threats of tariffs and sanctions from Washington. Petro initially blocked flights returning Colombians from the U.S., only to relent under pressure, agreeing to full compliance with U.S. demands.

Relations worsened in March 2025 after Trump accused Petro of allegedly sympathizing with members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua—a claim Petro denied, citing possible misinterpretation due to language barriers.

In September, the U.S. decertified Colombia as a counternarcotics partner, citing insufficient action against drug trafficking. Petro condemned the move, arguing that drug abuse was primarily an American societal issue. Shortly after, his U.S. visa was revoked following comments urging American soldiers to defy Trump, leading to intensified sanctions in October.

Sanctions and Accusations

The U.S. Treasury Department accused Petro of contributing to global cocaine production, imposing sanctions on him, his family, and key ministers. Petro rejected the allegations, asserting that his government had seized record quantities of cocaine and demonstrating transparency by publishing his bank accounts.

Throughout late 2025, rhetoric between the two leaders remained hostile. Trump warned that Colombia could face similar pressure as Venezuela, while Petro maintained that the U.S. was misinformed about his nation’s anti-drug efforts.

Diplomatic Turnaround

A turning point came on January 3, 2026, following a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Petro and Trump subsequently held a phone call on January 7, restoring direct communication channels and reducing tensions. Trump praised Petro’s shift in tone, describing him as “very nice” after previously harsh criticism.

The White House meeting aims to define strategic priorities, strengthen cooperation on security and anti-narcotics efforts, and engage with the Colombian diaspora in the U.S. Petro’s visit also includes political, academic, and business engagements, marking what his administration calls a “milestone in bilateral relations.”

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