Trump Cuts US Aid to Colombia Amid Drug Production Accusations

President Donald Trump announced an immediate halt to all U.S. financial aid to Colombia, accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being an "illegal drug lord" who actively supports massive drug production throughout the country. Trump criticized Petro for doing nothing to stop drug cultivation despite receiving substantial U.S. subsidies, calling it a long-term fraud against America. This announcement followed heightened tensions after U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean, which Petro condemned as violations of Colombian sovereignty and accused the U.S. of "murder" after a fisherman was killed in a September strike targeting drug vessels. The U.S. maintains that these strikes target drug traffickers, while Petro insists those killed were innocent fishermen and calls Trump's accusations rude and ignorant. The move marks a significant escalation in U.S.-Colombia relations, with Trump warning that if Petro does not act to end drug production, the U.S. will intervene directly. The U.N. has condemned the U.S. strikes as extrajudicial executions, highlighting the contentious nature of this intensified drug war front.