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Trump Backs Colombia's Right-Wing Front-Runner in Tight Race

6/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, a rare White House involvement in Colombia’s election.
Preliminary counts on June 21, 2026 gave Abelardo de la Espriella 49.66 % and Iván Cepeda 48.70 %.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro said neither candidate can be declared president and urged calm as the final count proceeds.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 the United States openly backed Álvaro Uribe, who won 53 % of the vote and launched a security drive funded by more than $3 billion in Plan Colombia aid; that precedent resurfaced in 2026 when former President Donald Trump endorsed Abelardo de la Espriella, prompting President Gustavo Petro to call for calm amid tight vote counts.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, a rare White House involvement in Colombia’s election.
Preliminary counts on June 21, 2026 gave Abelardo de la Espriella 49.66 % and Iván Cepeda 48.70 %.
Outgoing President Gustavo Petro said neither candidate can be declared president and urged calm as the final count proceeds.

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