WASHINGTON/BOGOTÁ: US President Donald Trump has invited Colombia President Gustavo Petro to the White House, in what analysts describe as a sudden diplomatic shift following recent public tensions between the two leaders. The move came after a phone call on Wednesday in which Petro “explained the situation of drugs and other disagreements” between the countries, Trump said in a social media post.
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Trump said he “appreciated his call and tone” and looked forward to meeting Petro “in the near future” at the White House, though no date has yet been set for the visit. The invitation marks the first direct contact between the leaders since Trump took office in January and followed escalating rhetoric and disagreements over drug trafficking and regional security.
Trump invites Colombia’s Petro to White House after threats https://t.co/HM1VJfx3pM pic.twitter.com/ls8T3aCc3z
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 8, 2026
The diplomatic outreach comes days after Trump made controversial comments suggesting that US intervention in Colombia “sounds good to me” — remarks that drew sharp criticism and heightened tensions in Bogotá. Petro, who faced protests at home against potential US military action, initially responded defiantly but softened his tone following the lengthy conversation with Trump.
Before the phone call, the US had accused Petro’s government of not doing enough to curb drug trafficking, and Trump’s administration had previously imposed sanctions and downgraded Colombia’s status in counternarcotics cooperation. Historically, the United States and Colombia have maintained close military and economic cooperation, particularly in efforts to combat the cocaine trade — a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
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Observers say the planned White House meeting could signal a reset in US-Colombian relations after weeks of friction, although underlying disagreements on drug policy and regional security remain unresolved.