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Trump-backed Espriella Halts Colombia Transition, Cites Coup

7/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella suspended Colombia’s transition on July 7, accusing Gustavo Petro of planning a coup.
Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, urged Colombia’s armed forces to ignore Gustavo Petro’s orders.
President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella’s runoff win and alleged fraud without evidence.
Finance Minister Germán Ávila halted the handover while European Union observers and the Carter Center praised the election’s vote-counting.

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Story summary

Abelardo de la Espriella suspended Colombia’s transition on July 7, accusing Gustavo Petro of planning a coup.
Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump, urged Colombia’s armed forces to ignore Gustavo Petro’s orders.
President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize de la Espriella’s runoff win and alleged fraud without evidence.
Finance Minister Germán Ávila halted the handover while European Union observers and the Carter Center praised the election’s vote-counting.