The unexpected easing of tensions on Wednesday followed a phone call lasting about an hour between the two leaders, during which they discussed drug trafficking and other areas of disagreement, according to Trump
United States President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, just days after accusing him of involvement in cocaine trafficking and threatening military action against his government.
The unexpected easing of tensions on Wednesday followed a phone call lasting about an hour between the two leaders, during which they discussed drug trafficking and other areas of disagreement, according to Trump.
It was their first direct conversation since Trump threatened a military operation in Colombia after the United States abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a dramatic operation in Caracas on Saturday.
Those threats prompted Petro to urge Colombians to take to the streets in defence of national sovereignty.
“It was a great honour to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called to explain the situation regarding drugs and other disagreements we have had,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“I appreciated his call and tone and look forward to meeting him in the near future.”
Trump said arrangements were under way for a meeting in Washington but did not give a date.
Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, later addressed protesters at Bogotá’s Plaza Bolívar who had responded to his call for demonstrations. He said a de-escalation was taking place and that he had altered his planned speech at the last minute.
“If we do not talk, there is war. Colombia’s history has taught us that,” said Petro, a former rebel fighter.
“What happened is that we spoke and re-established communication for the first time. I raised two issues: Venezuela and drug trafficking,” he said, adding that he shared data on Colombia’s efforts to combat the drug trade.
Petro also accused some Colombian politicians of misleading Trump, blaming them for what he described as a diplomatic and verbal crisis between the two countries.
Relations between Trump and Petro have been strained since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Trump has repeatedly accused Petro’s government, without presenting evidence, of allowing cocaine to flow into the United States and imposed sanctions on the Colombian leader in October.
Earlier this week, Trump described Petro as “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States” and warned him to “watch his a**” following the US operation in Venezuela.
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