U.S. President Donald Trump invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House following a 15-minute phone call aimed at easing diplomatic tensions. Petro highlighted Colombia's progress in anti-narcotics efforts and requested direct communications between the governments. The meeting is being arranged by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia's Foreign Minister.
Trump invites Petro to White House after phone call
On the afternoon of January 7, 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro held a approximately 15-minute phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The dialogue, described as respectful by sources from the Colombian Foreign Ministry, aimed to de-escalate diplomatic tensions arising from recent statements between the two leaders.
During the call, Petro emphasized that Colombia is a democracy elected by popular will and rejected any external pressure or intimidation. He informed Trump of achievements in the fight against narcotrafficking: seizures of around 1,000 tons of drugs last year, with projections of 3,500 tons by the end of this year, a record not achieved by any other government. He also highlighted 700 extraditions, including the brother of Piedad Córdoba, and the success of voluntary substitution of illicit crops over forced eradication with glyphosate.
Petro requested the restoration of direct communications between the foreign ministries and presidents. He also invited Delcy Rodríguez to Colombia for a tripartite dialogue on Venezuela to prevent internal conflicts similar to those experienced in Colombia.
Trump, in turn, confirmed via social media: "It was a great honor to speak with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, who called me to explain the drug situation and other disagreements we have had. I appreciated his call and his tone, and I look forward to meeting with him soon. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Colombian Foreign Minister are making the necessary arrangements. The meeting will take place at the White House in Washington, D.C.".
This invitation comes amid accumulated tensions since January 2025, including rejections of deportations, allegations of coup attempts, decertification on anti-drug efforts in September (jeopardizing $2 billion in aid), Petro's pro-Palestine protests leading to the cancellation of his visa, and sanctions on family and associates in October.
The Colombian embassy in the U.S. stated: "Colombia remains committed to open and constructive dialogue with the United States. This guided by mutual respect and understanding of shared interests in regional stability".
Although no date was specified, the meeting is expected in the coming weeks, addressing topics such as security, narcotrafficking, trade, and migration.
