Trump Announces Higher Tariffs on Colombia Amid Drug Trade Dispute

Post by : Saif Nasser

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he will raise tariffs on Colombia and stop all financial payments to the South American country. His comments escalate tensions between the two nations over U.S. military strikes on ships accused of carrying drugs and claims against Colombian President Gustavo Petro.

Trump Accuses Colombia of Drug Trade Complicity

Trump called President Petro an “illegal drug leader” and accused Colombia of being involved in the drug trade. Speaking from Air Force One, Trump said, “They don’t have a fight against drugs — they make drugs.” He announced that the United States would cut off financial aid and impose new tariffs, although the exact details of the measures have not yet been shared.

Colombia currently pays 10% tariffs on most imports to the United States. This level is the baseline tariff Trump has applied to many countries. The president also stated that he is “stopping all payments to Colombia,” referring to U.S. funding support, but did not specify which programs would be affected. Colombia was historically one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid in the Western Hemisphere, though assistance was reduced earlier this year following the closure of USAID, America’s humanitarian arm.

Colombia Responds Strongly

Colombia’s foreign ministry described Trump’s accusations as offensive and damaging. They said the comments “undermine the dignity of the president of Colombians” and pledged to seek international support to defend the nation’s autonomy.

President Petro strongly rejected the claims. On X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the United States… but you are rude and ignorant to Colombia. Since I am not a businessman, I am even less a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart.”

Disputed U.S. Military Strikes

The tensions follow U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, which targeted vessels allegedly transporting drugs. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said one of the attacked ships was affiliated with the leftist rebel group National Liberation Army (ELN). He claimed the vessel was involved in narcotics smuggling but did not provide proof.

Petro, however, insisted the ship belonged to a “humble family,” not the ELN, and condemned the bombing that killed three people. Earlier, he had raised concerns that U.S. strikes had hit Colombian vessels, an allegation denied by the Trump administration.

Ongoing U.S.-Colombia Strain

The feud is part of broader tensions between Washington and Bogota. Last month, the U.S. revoked Petro’s visa after he joined a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and urged U.S. soldiers to question orders.

Colombia continues to face challenges with coca cultivation and the drug trade. Petro had promised last year to reduce coca-growing regions through social programs and military intervention, but results have been limited.

Analysts say the new tariffs and aid cuts could further strain Colombia’s economy and its relations with the United States. The dispute also highlights the sensitive issue of U.S. intervention in Latin America and the balance between fighting drugs and respecting national sovereignty.