The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
