A Colombian attorney running for president has publicly thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for backing his campaign as the country prepares for a crucial runoff election that reflects the region’s political shift toward conservative leadership.
Abelardo de la Espriella, who received the highest number of votes in Colombia’s initial election round, responded Wednesday to Trump’s endorsement of his candidacy. The race is being watched closely as a measure of the area’s movement toward right-leaning politics.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump gave his “complete and total endorsement” to de la Espriella, describing him as an “intelligent, strong and tough leader” who faces off against a “radical leftist Marxist” in the June 21 runoff. Trump also posted on social platform X that he expects improved relations between the two nations if the conservative candidate defeats progressive Iván Cepeda.
“With my head held high and a heart full of patriotic gratitude, I receive your words and your steadfast support,” responded de la Espriella, nicknamed “El Tigre” or “The Tiger,” in a post on X. “Thank you, Mr. President!”
This marks another instance of Trump supporting foreign political candidates, a strategy that has faced pushback from critics who argue the United States should avoid interfering in other nations’ internal political processes. Trump previously endorsed Honduras’ National Party presidential candidate Nasry “Tito” Asfura, who subsequently won his race. He also supported libertarian President Javier Milei in Argentina during legislative contests that were crucial for that leader’s political goals.
The endorsement highlights current friction between Washington and Bogota, as diplomatic ties have deteriorated during Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s tenure. The nations have clashed over immigration issues, Israel’s military operations in Gaza, and drug enforcement approaches, especially concerning the destruction of narcotics vessels in Caribbean waters.
Petro criticized Trump’s involvement in the Colombian race and called on voters to make independent choices to avoid becoming “anyone’s slaves or colony.”
“When a country intervenes in the decisions of another country, freedom dies,” Petro posted on X.
Despite Colombia remaining America’s top export destination and historically being Washington’s key regional partner, diplomatic relations have significantly deteriorated under the present Colombian leadership.
De la Espriella possesses both Colombian and American citizenship, supports Trump, and belongs to the Republican Party. Though lacking previous electoral experience, he captured 43.74% of votes in the first presidential round, while Sen. Cepeda — a Petro ally — received 40.90%, based on initial tallies.
The candidate states his positions match American policies, especially concerning narcotics enforcement. He has pledged to eliminate thousands of hectares of coca cultivation — cocaine’s primary ingredient — and stop drug trafficking destined for the United States.
