Story perspectives

Petro Urges Trump to Stay Out of Runoff After Endorsement

6/15/2026

Summary

Petro Demands Non-Intervention

President Gustavo Petro asked U.S. President Donald Trump not to intervene in the June 21 runoff after Trump endorsed Abelardo De La Espriella and said Washington would fully support him.
An AtlasIntel poll puts De La Espriella at 52.2% against 44.5% for Senator Iván Cepeda.
Representative Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) called the endorsement an insult to Colombian sovereignty.
President Gustavo Petro’s meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was canceled for breaching his travel authorization.

Summary

Greg & Sons Count

Private security firm Thomas Greg & Sons compiles Colombia’s election totals using hidden software.
The nine-member National Electoral Council supervises the vote but relies on the firm for the final count.
President Gustavo Petro has challenged the May 31 results, saying 800,000 votes for Federico De la Espriella cannot be verified.
De la Espriella says he will be sworn in at a military garrison rather than Plaza de Bolívar if he wins.

Summary

Cepeda Files ICC Complaint

Senator Ivan Cepeda filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) to probe Abelardo De la Espriella’s alleged AUC membership.
Cepeda alleges De la Espriella directed the NGO FIPAZ, created to expand influence, and funded paramilitary groups.
Testimony says De la Espriella bribed Supreme Court judges in 2005 with 5 billion pesos to install Mario Iguarán.
Cepeda notes that a 2011 Supreme Court order to probe De la Espriella’s paramilitary links disappeared, prompting his claim the investigation was dropped.

History

Historical Context

After the 2002 presidential race, where U.S. President George W. Bush publicly supported Álvaro Uribe, who won 53 % of the vote, the United States deepened involvement through Plan Colombia’s multi-billion-dollar aid. That precedent of American endorsement now resurfaces as former President Donald Trump backs candidate Abelardo De la Espriella, reviving Colombian concerns over foreign influence on elections.

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Petro Demands Non-Intervention

President Gustavo Petro asked U.S. President Donald Trump not to intervene in the June 21 runoff after Trump endorsed Abelardo De La Espriella and said Washington would fully support him.
An AtlasIntel poll puts De La Espriella at 52.2% against 44.5% for Senator Iván Cepeda.
Representative Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) called the endorsement an insult to Colombian sovereignty.
President Gustavo Petro’s meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani was canceled for breaching his travel authorization.

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