US President Donald Trump confirmed a White House meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro for the first week of February, building on their January 7 phone call. Trump conditioned the summit on advances in curbing drug flows to the US, amid ongoing bilateral tensions.
US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he will host Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House in the first week of February. 'I look forward to meeting with Gustavo Petro... it will be very beneficial for Colombia and the United States,' Trump posted.
This confirmation follows Trump's initial invitation after their January 7 phone call—the first direct contact in a year—which addressed anti-drug cooperation amid tensions. Petro had highlighted record seizures (1,000 tons last year, projecting 3,500 tons this year) and 700 extraditions, while defending voluntary crop substitution.
Trump called the call positive but emphasized results are needed: 'It is necessary to prohibit the entry of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.' Petro tweeted about discussing 'Peace of the Continent, sovereignty, [and] a Pact for Life based on clean energies.'
Bilateral strains since January 2025 include deportation disputes, ambassador recalls, US anti-drug decertification, and mutual accusations. Arrangements are being coordinated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombia's Foreign Minister.
