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Trump Decertifies Colombia: $450M Aid at Risk Amid Drug Surge

9/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

On September 15, 2025, President Trump decertified Colombia as a U.S. drug control partner due to increased coca cultivation and cocaine production under President Gustavo Petro.
This marks the first decertification since 1997 and may result in over $450 million loss in U.S. aid for Colombia.
Trump attributed the drug crisis to Petro's "Total Peace" policy, claiming Colombia did not fulfill its counternarcotics obligations.
Despite the decertification, the U.S. issued a waiver to continue essential assistance, highlighting the significance of U.S.-Colombia relations.
Colombia's cocaine production rose to an estimated 2,600 metric tons in 2023, a 53% increase from the previous year.

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Story summary

On September 15, 2025, President Trump decertified Colombia as a U.S. drug control partner due to increased coca cultivation and cocaine production under President Gustavo Petro.
This marks the first decertification since 1997 and may result in over $450 million loss in U.S. aid for Colombia.
Trump attributed the drug crisis to Petro's "Total Peace" policy, claiming Colombia did not fulfill its counternarcotics obligations.
Despite the decertification, the U.S. issued a waiver to continue essential assistance, highlighting the significance of U.S.-Colombia relations.
Colombia's cocaine production rose to an estimated 2,600 metric tons in 2023, a 53% increase from the previous year.