As the two nations narrowly avoided an all-out trade war after Bogota decided to accept migrant deportation flights from the US, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro criticized US President Donald Trump for his approach to policies and his alleged racial attitude.
Petro stated in a social media post that he aspires to discuss issues with Donald Trump “over a glass of whiskey” in the future. He also explained that the newly sworn in US President regards him as “inferior.”
Before his government reversed course on the issue, Columbia’s first left-wing president criticized Trump for his attitude toward Bogota and threatened retaliatory tariffs in a lengthy viral post on X.
“I will survive in my people, which are in the Americas before yours, despite the fact that you will kill me.” Petro stated on X, “We are a people of freedom, the Caribbean Sea, the mountains, and the winds.”
Trump, a mi no me gusta mucho viajar a los EEUU, es un poco aburridor, pero confieso que hay cosas meritorias, me gusta ir a los barrios negros de Washington, allí ví una lucha entera en la capital de los EEUU entre negros y latinos con barricadas, que me pareció una pendejada,…
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) January 26, 2025
The White House announced the suspension of Trump’s retaliation plans for Colombia after Bogota softened its previous stance, requesting that the US refrain from the “degrading treatment” of migrants and establish more effective protocols.
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The draft measures that Washington had proposed, which are currently suspended, included the imposition of 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods entering the United States. These tariffs would increase to 50% within a week, as well as the revocation of visas and the travel prohibition for Colombian government officials. Additionally, the draft measures included emergency treasury, banking, and financial sanctions.
Criticizes Trump for his “greed”
Petro indicated that a candid conversation with Trump would be challenging due to the US President’s perception of Colombians as a “inferior race.”
“I am not fond of your oil, Trump; your greed will result in the extinction of the human species.” Petro wrote, “Perhaps one day, we can discuss this candidly over a glass of whiskey, which I am willing to consume, despite my gastritis. However, it is challenging because you regard me as an inferior race, which I am not, nor is any Colombian.”
The leftist leader also declared that Trump’s threats do not frighten him and pledged to “resist.” Petro also suggested that the Americas and the entire human race should unite in the event that Trump were to “overthrow” him as Colombia’s president. He also stated that his country no longer looks up to the north.
“You are not fond of our autonomy, I understand.” I refrain from exchanging handshakes with white slavers. Petro continued, “I have had the opportunity to shake hands with the white libertarian heirs of Lincoln and the black and white farm boys of the United States. I have wept and prayed at their graves on a battlefield that I reached after walking the mountains of Italian Tuscany and being saved from Covid.”
