President Trump warned that Colombia’s Gustavo Petro is "next" in a U.S. regional anti-drug campaign, escalating tensions between the two countries. He suggested expanding military operations that have focused on Venezuela to Mexico and Colombia and has overseen strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels since September. The U.S. has decertified Colombia as a drug-control partner, revoked Petro’s visa and cut aid; Colombia’s presidential election in May could remove Petro without direct U.S. action.
‘He’ll Be Next’: Trump Threatens Colombian President as U.S. Signals Wider Anti-Drug Push
07:56 AM, 12/11/2025
President Donald Trump sharply escalated his rhetoric toward Colombia on Wednesday, warning that President Gustavo Petro is "next" in Washington’s regional campaign against drug trafficking.
After telling reporters he had not "really thought too much about" Petro, Trump pivoted to a pointed threat aimed at the Colombian leader.
"Colombia is producing a lot of drugs," Trump said. "So he better wise up or he'll be next. He'll be next soon. I hope he's listening, he's going to be next."
The comments represent a notable escalation in tensions between the United States and Colombia. Earlier this week, in an interview with POLITICO, Trump suggested he might expand U.S. anti-drug military operations — which have been concentrated on Venezuela — to include Mexico and Colombia.
Military Moves and Diplomatic Pressure
Since September, the administration has carried out a series of strikes against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific. The U.S. also deployed a significant naval and military presence off Venezuela’s coast in an effort to pressure President Nicolás Maduro.
Diplomatically, the U.S. has already taken several punitive steps against Colombia: it decertified the country as a drug-control partner, revoked President Petro’s visa in September, and cut aid while publicly accusing him of ties to the drug trade.
Political Context
Although Trump has publicly stated he wants Petro removed from office, the Colombian president is constitutionally barred from immediate reelection. Colombia will hold a presidential election in May, which could result in Petro leaving office through the normal democratic process without further U.S. intervention.
The Colombian embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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