US-Colombia Tensions Spike with Trump's Tariff Threats Amid Drug Trade Accusations

Tensions between the United States and Colombia have sharply escalated under President Donald Trump, who has accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being an "illegal drug leader" encouraging massive drug production in Colombia. Trump announced he would impose new tariffs and cut all U.S. assistance to Colombia, describing the country as "out of control" and a "drug manufacturing machine." Petro responded by recalling Colombia's ambassador from Washington and criticized Trump as "rude and ignorant," asserting Colombia deeply values its relationship with the U.S. and rejecting allegations of drug trafficking. In a provocative interview, Petro even suggested taking measures to "take out Trump" if he does not change his approach, highlighting the deteriorating diplomatic relations. The dispute centers around a recent U.S. military strike in the Caribbean that killed a Colombian national, with both leaders trading sharp rhetoric over drug policies and sovereignty.