Trump Holds Key Meeting
President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he held a phone conversation with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, signaling a potential diplomatic reset following recent U.S. actions in Venezuela that dramatically reshaped the region’s political landscape.
A White House official verified the call to NewsNation, after which Trump addressed the discussion publicly on Truth Social, emphasizing cooperation while acknowledging ongoing disagreements between Washington and Bogotá.
“It was a great honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who reached out to discuss the serious drug challenges and other issues facing our two countries,” Trump wrote. “I appreciated the professional tone of the conversation and look forward to meeting him soon.”
Trump added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is coordinating with Colombia’s foreign minister to arrange an in-person meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Colombian officials also confirmed the call, describing the roughly 35-minute conversation as constructive and productive.
The discussion comes during a period of heightened focus by the Trump administration on regional security, drug trafficking, and border enforcement following U.S. military operations in Venezuela that resulted in the removal of longtime strongman Nicolás Maduro.
In recent days, Trump has made clear that the United States intends to take a firmer stance toward governments in Latin America that, in his view, have failed to curb narcotics production and organized crime that directly impact American communities.
When asked by NewsNation whether additional pressure on Colombia was possible, Trump reiterated that all options remain under review, underscoring his administration’s emphasis on national security and public safety.
President Petro, for his part, has urged caution, calling for respect for national sovereignty and warning that instability could follow rapid political changes in neighboring Venezuela. Colombian media reported that Petro authorized increased troop deployments along the country’s border with Venezuela as a precautionary measure.
Trump has also issued similar warnings to other regional governments, including Mexico, where he has pledged stronger action against cartel leadership, and Cuba, which he has suggested remains politically vulnerable following recent developments in the region.
Supporters of the president argue the administration’s approach reflects a long-overdue shift toward accountability, deterrence, and restoring American leadership in the Western Hemisphere after years of weakened enforcement and diplomatic uncertainty.
