Full Breakdown
Trump’s Second Presidency Under Scrutiny and Its Influence on Colombia’s 2026 Election
6/24/2026, 2:49:57 AM
Regime Change Release and Colombian Runoff Result
In June 2026 Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan published *Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump*, a 500-page account of Trump’s second term. The book draws on more than 1,000 interviews and three years of reporting. The same month, Colombia’s presidential runoff produced a narrow victory for Trump-backed candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who claimed a majority after 99.99 % of polling stations were tallied.
Key Figures & Groups
- Donald Trump – U.S. president, author of the book’s quoted remarks, and public endorser of de la Espriella.
- Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan – New York Times correspondents and co-authors of *Regime Change*.
- Stephen Miller, Susie Wiles, Roger Stone – Senior advisers highlighted in the book.
- Abelardo de la Espriella (“El Tigre”) – Colombian lawyer and presidential candidate, supported by Trump, Nayib Bukele, Javier Milei, and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni.
- Iván Cepeda – Left-wing opponent and ally of President Gustavo Petro.
- Jerome Powell – Federal Reserve chair referenced for his stance toward Trump’s provocations.
Data & Statistics
- Colombian runoff: 26.3 million ballots cast; de la Espriella received 12.9 million votes (? 49.66 %); Cepeda received 48.7 % (? 12.4 million).
- Preliminary counts vary: 49.66 % (source 13), 49.65 % (source 14), 49.7 % (source 10).
- *Regime Change* draws on > 1,000 interviews and three years of reporting.
Official Statements & Responses
- Trump posted on Truth Social: “He Won, BIG!” and praised de la Espriella’s “law-and-order” platform.
- De la Espriella’s victory speech declared, “Tonight marks the beginning of a new story for the nation… a change of order,” and added, “I’m going to govern for all Colombians.”
- Colombia’s National Registry confirmed the preliminary count with 99.99 % of stations reported and noted that final certification remains pending.
- The authors of *Regime Change* described the work as “our best attempt at a first draft of the remarkable history we are all living through.”
Criticism & Opposition
- Haberman and Swan label Trump “a walking moral hazard, rarely saddled for long with the costs or consequences of his risk-taking and rule-breaking.”
- Human-rights observers, including Democracy Now’s Manuel Rozental, characterize de la Espriella’s agenda as a “criminal approach to politics” that threatens peace and could invite U.S. militarization.
- Iván Cepeda and Petro’s administration have refused to concede, citing irregularities and demanding a manual recount.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Vote percentages differ across outlets (49.66 % vs 49.65 % vs 49.7 %). No final, certified result has been released.
- The book’s narrative relies heavily on elite interviews; critics note the absence of dissenting voices from within the administration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He wants to be a great man of history.” — Donald Trump, reported by Jonathan Swan.
- “a walking moral hazard, rarely saddled for long with the costs or consequences of his risk-taking and rule-breaking.” — Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan, *Regime Change*.
- “We need plot twists.” — Donald Trump, as quoted in *Regime Change*.
- “you’re playing his game.” — Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Chairman.
- “He Won, BIG!” — Donald Trump, Truth Social post.
- “I know you’re worried about it, but it’s going to be OK.” — Donald Trump, to Tucker Carlson.
Why It Matters / Impact
The book’s release intensifies scrutiny of executive authority in the United States, while Trump’s endorsement of de la Espriella signals a direct extension of his political brand into Latin America. A de la Espriella administration could reshape Colombia’s security policy, deepen U.S. involvement, and affect regional dynamics amid rising right-wing governance.
Timeline
- Nov 2024: Trump re-elected.
- Jan 2025: Second inauguration.
- Feb 2026: Trump orders war with Iran.
- May 2026: First round of Colombian presidential election.
- Jun 22 2026: Runoff preliminary results; Trump posts “He Won, BIG!”
- Jun 2026: *Regime Change* released.
