Trump announces tariffs and an end to U.S. aid to Colombia amid clash over drug trade
toggle caption Fernando Vergara/AP
PALM BEACH, Fla. — The United States will slash assistance to Colombia and enact tariffs on its exports because the country's leader, Gustavo Petro, "does nothing to stop" drug production, President Donald Trump said Sunday, escalating the friction between Washington and one of its closest allies in Latin America.
In a social media post, Trump referred to Petro as "an illegal drug leader" who is "low rated and very unpopular." The Republican president warned that Petro "better close up" drug operations "or the United States will close them up for him, and it won't be done nicely."
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Later in the day, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that Colombia has "no fight against drugs" and "they are a drug manufacturing machine" with "a lunatic" for a president. He said that he would announce new tariffs on Monday.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also announced the la
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