In a surprising turn in diplomatic relations, U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a softer approach on Wednesday by revealing that he and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had engaged in a constructive telephone conversation. The call was described by both sides as respectful and marked the first direct contact between the two leaders amid recent strains.
Trump took to his social media platform to share that Petro had reached out to talk through contentious issues between their countries, notably disagreements over drug policy and other bilateral challenges. Trump said he valued the tone of the discussion and expressed optimism about building on it with an in-person meeting at the White House in the near future.
Just days earlier, Trump had used sharply critical language about Petro’s leadership, including provocative comments suggesting the U.S. might consider military action over Colombia’s handling of drug trafficking — remarks that drew condemnation in Bogotá and stoked tensions across the region, dw.com reports.
Petro, who has frequently clashed with Trump since the U.S. operation that toppled Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, had called the raid a blatant violation of Latin American sovereignty, intensifying the diplomatic rift. In response to Trump’s earlier attacks, Petro accused him of inflammatory rhetoric and stressed Colombia’s commitment to sovereignty and self-determination.
Addressing a crowd of supporters in the Colombian capital, Petro confirmed the phone conversation, saying it was the first time he and Trump had spoken directly since Trump’s return to the presidency.
Petro said their discussion covered both Venezuela and narcotics trafficking and that he had urged a full restoration of diplomatic dialogue between Bogota and Washington. A source in Petro’s office described the exchange as “cordial” and “respectful,” offering a rare moment of conciliation between historically strained leaders.
