U.S.-Colombia Tensions Over Strike and Tariff Threats

A U.S. strike in the Caribbean near Venezuelan waters that killed a fisherman has deepened a diplomatic rift after Bogotá said the victim was not a drug trafficker and recalled the U.S. ambassador. President Trump has publicly accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being a “drug trafficking leader,” suspended U.S. aid, and said he will impose significant new tariffs on Colombia with rates to be announced soon. Senator Lindsey Graham backed major tariff action and warned of heavy penalties, and Trump also threatened strikes on drug-production sites; however, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett later told reporters there was no immediate tariff announcement forthcoming, leaving timing and scope uncertain. The exchange of accusations, military actions, threats to cut aid and impose tariffs has sharply strained U.S.-Colombian relations and raised the risk of further diplomatic and military escalation.