Colombians are voicing growing frustration and concern as tensions intensify between Bogotá and Washington following a diplomatic clash between Presidents Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump.
The dispute erupted after Trump threatened to slash aid and impose new tariffs on Colombia, accusing the South American country of failing to rein in drug cartels responsible for smuggling narcotics into the United States.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump branded Petro “an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs.” The Colombian president fired back, calling Trump “rude and ignorant” toward Colombia.
The escalating exchange has alarmed many Colombians, who fear that a breakdown in relations with Washington could deal a serious blow to their livelihoods.
“I don’t think it’s right that the just pay for the sinners. If Trump imposes more tariffs, many jobs will be lost, and many companies will go bankrupt,” said Ángel Duarte, a taxi driver in Bogotá.
Colombia’s National Association of Foreign Trade reports that the United States accounts for roughly 30% of Colombian exports including oil, coffee, flowers, gold, fruits, and manufactured goods.
Any increase in tariffs, experts warn, would drive up prices and hurt both workers and consumers.
For some, the row stirs personal anxiety. “I have my daughter in the United States, and I have to renew my visa this year,” said housewife Sofía Anaya. “I’m worried this will make things harder.” She added that Petro was partly to blame, citing his repeated public jabs at Trump.
The two leaders have a history of clashing over migration and narcotics policy. In September, Petro urged that US officials, including Trump, face “criminal proceedings” for ordering strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean.
Soon after, Washington revoked Petro’s visa following his participation in a pro-Palestinian rally in New York, where he urged US troops to defy Trump’s commands.
University student Gustavo Cuesta defended Petro, arguing that Trump’s words insulted all Colombians.
“Calling President Gustavo Petro a drug trafficking leader is an insult to the entire country. And it must be rejected,” he said. “Trump is not the owner of the world. One must show respect.”
Not everyone sees a hero on either side. Retiree Javier Gaitán criticized both leaders for inflaming tensions. “They both speak without considering the consequences.
Meanwhile, the drug traffickers remain calm. Here in Colombia, the drug issue has no solution. There’s a lot of money involved,” he said.
Trump’s vow to cut aid could severely affect Colombia’s long-standing cooperation with Washington in counter-narcotics operations.
The US currently provides around $450 million annually in economic and military assistance, including funding for programs to eradicate coca and opium poppy cultivation. Trump has not clarified which areas would be targeted for cuts.
“Petro has to find a way to solve this with the gringos,” said Duarte. “In the end, it’s the people who are hurt.”
