Story perspectives

Trump-Backed “Tiger” Wins Colombian Runoff by Narrow Margin

6/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing outsider dubbed “The Tiger,” won the runoff narrowly as over 26.3 million voters (63 % turnout) cast ballots.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed De La Espriella, who received 12.959 million votes (49.7%) against Iván Cepeda’s 12.708 million (48.7%).
De La Espriella pledged to cut bureaucracy by 40%, merge ministries, restart oil fracking, security ties with Washington and the “Shield of the Americas,” and review the U.S.–Colombia free-trade pact.

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Story summary

Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing outsider dubbed “The Tiger,” won the runoff narrowly as over 26.3 million voters (63 % turnout) cast ballots.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed De La Espriella, who received 12.959 million votes (49.7%) against Iván Cepeda’s 12.708 million (48.7%).
De La Espriella pledged to cut bureaucracy by 40%, merge ministries, restart oil fracking, security ties with Washington and the “Shield of the Americas,” and review the U.S.–Colombia free-trade pact.