U
.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriellaahead of this month’s runoff election, injecting an international dimension into a closely contested race that could shape future relations between Colombia and the United States.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump said the outcome of the election would be critical for Colombia’s future and its ties with Washington.
“The results of this election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States,” Trump wrote.
De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer who has never held elected office, will face leftist senator Ivan Cepeda in a runoff after neither candidate secured an outright majority in the first round of voting.
According to official results, de la Espriella won nearly 44% of the vote, while Cepeda received just under 41%, setting up a highly competitive second-round contest later this month.
De la Espriella has built his campaign around promises to crack down on criminal organizations and armed groups that continue to operate across parts of Colombia.
His proposals include the construction of 10 large prisons and a tougher security strategy aimed at combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
The candidate’s rhetoric and law-and-order agenda have drawn comparisons to Nayib Bukele, whose aggressive anti-gang policies have earned both praise and criticism across Latin America.
In a video shared on social media following Trump’s endorsement, de la Espriella emphasized the importance of cooperation with Washington in addressing Colombia’s long-standing security challenges.
“The United States plays a crucial role in combating crime and narco-terrorism and in finally freeing Colombia from so much pain and violence,” he said.
The candidate also highlighted what he described as shared values with Trump, including support for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.
Trump’s endorsement quickly drew criticism from Colombian President Gustavo Petro, whose relationship with the U.S. leader has often been strained.
Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, responded on social media Tuesday night, criticizing Trump’s public support for de la Espriella. While details of Petro’s comments were not immediately available, the intervention is likely to intensify debate over foreign influence in the election campaign.
The runoff will be closely watched across the region as voters choose between two sharply contrasting political visions.
De la Espriella has campaigned on a platform centered on security, stronger ties with the United States, and conservative policies. Cepeda, a veteran human rights advocate and longtime senator, has emphasized social reforms and continuity with parts of Petro’s political agenda.
The election outcome could have significant implications for Colombia’s domestic policies, its approach to security and drug trafficking, and its relationship with Washington, one of Bogotá’s most important international partners.
With polls indicating a tight race, both candidates are expected to intensify campaigning in the coming weeks as they seek to win over undecided voters before the decisive runoff vote.
(Source: Reuters)
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