Trump’s Endorsement Fuels Tension Ahead of Colombia’s June 21 Runoff

President Donald Trump used Truth Social to give a “complete and total endorsement” to Abelardo De La Espriella, leader of the Defenders of the Homeland movement, pledging “the total support and strength of the United States” if he wins. An AtlasIntel poll in early June gave De La Espriella 52.2 % support versus 44.5 % for leftist senator Iván Cepeda. In the May 31 first round De La Espriella earned 43.74 % (10.3 M votes) and Cepeda 40.9 % (9.7 M), sending both to a runoff on June 21.

Colombia's far right eyes landslide amid fears Petro will reject runoff result

Democratic lawmakers, led by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), called the endorsement “detrimental to the democratic rights of the Colombian people” and an insult to sovereignty. Rep. María Salazar (FL) and Sen. Bernie Moreno (OH) echoed Trump; Moreno said officials had “vetted” De La Espriella and found him “impeccable.” President Gustavo Petro posted on X urging Trump “not to intervene in the campaign that the people of Colombia decide freely.” A State Department spokesperson said “a visa is a privilege, not a right” after officials warned Petro’s meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani would breach his visa authorization.

Latin Times

Senator Iván Cepeda filed a criminal complaint with Colombia’s Prosecutor General and International Criminal Court, alleging De La Espriella “directly belonged to and acted as part of the AUC” while directing NGO FIPAZ, a group created by former paramilitary commanders. Cepeda also said De La Espriella participated in a 2005 scheme to bribe Supreme Court judges to install Mario Iguarán as Prosecutor General. Concerns also target vote-counting, performed by private firm Thomas Greg & Sons with undisclosed source code, casting doubt on May-31 tally that sent De La Espriella to the runoff.

Cepeda files criminal complaint against De la Espriella over paramilitary ties

Analysts warn that Trump’s endorsement could condition U.S. aid, tariffs or sanctions on the election outcome, echoing the Center for Economic and Policy Research’s “implicit threat.” The episode also mirrors a regional far-right surge, with De La Espriella receiving backing from allied parties across Latin America, highlighting shifting political dynamics in the hemisphere.

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The runoff is on June 21. Mauricio Gómez Amín says a decisive win is needed to prevent President Petro from contesting the result; De La Espriella plans to be sworn in at a military garrison rather than the Plaza de Bolívar. A congressional commission has debated suspending Petro, but constitutional scholars say only the Senate can act.

Colombia's far right eyes landslide amid fears Petro will reject runoff result

• “Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life, and his political support for me, personally, it is my Honor to give Abelardo my Complete and Total Endorsement.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States (Truth Social)

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• “We see actions by US President Donald Trump and other members of Congress to endorse, advocate for, or otherwise tip the scales to a particular candidate as detrimental to the democratic rights of the Colombian people,” — Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Democratic colleagues

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• “I request, as President of Colombia, that you not intervene in the campaign that the people of Colombia decide freely—and not you” — Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia (X)

Latin Times

• “before Mr. Trump posted his full-throated endorsement of Mr. De La Espriella, Mr. Moreno held a call with reporters in which he said US officials had ‘vetted’ Mr. De La Espriella and found him to be ‘impeccable.’” — Bernie Moreno, Senator (OH)

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