Story perspectives

Trump's Mixed Signals on Colombia's Petro Amid Investigations

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has alternated between harsh criticism and praise of Gustavo Petro, Colombia's left-wing president, signaling a tense relationship.
New York federal prosecutors are investigating Petro for potential drug trafficking links.
U.S. officials assure Colombia that Petro faces no criminal charges.
Iván Cepeda, Petro's party candidate, leads in the polls as the May 31 election approaches and has not committed to Petro's military strategy against drug-trafficking groups.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump has alternated between harsh criticism and praise of Gustavo Petro, Colombia's left-wing president, signaling a tense relationship.
New York federal prosecutors are investigating Petro for potential drug trafficking links.
U.S. officials assure Colombia that Petro faces no criminal charges.
Iván Cepeda, Petro's party candidate, leads in the polls as the May 31 election approaches and has not committed to Petro's military strategy against drug-trafficking groups.