Petro Urges Colombians to Ignore Trump's Endorsement of Presidential Candidate Abelardo de la Espriella

Colombian President Gustavo Petro is urging voters to disregard President Donald Trump's endorsement of conservative presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, arguing that foreign intervention has no place in Colombia's democratic process ahead of the June 21 runoff election.

The dispute erupted after Trump issued a "complete and total endorsement" of de la Espriella on Truth Social, praising the candidate as a strong leader who would promote economic growth, fight crime and drug trafficking, and strengthen ties with the United States. Trump described the runoff as critical for Colombia's future and its relationship with Washington.

Petro responded on X with a direct appeal to Colombian voters, criticizing what he characterized as foreign interference in the country's election.

"When one country intervenes in the decisions of another, freedom dies," Petro wrote, adding that Colombians should vote independently and defend their national sovereignty. He called on citizens not to allow outside powers to influence their decision at the ballot box.

The exchange highlights the growing international attention surrounding Colombia's presidential runoff. De la Espriella, a lawyer and political outsider known as "El Tigre," finished first in the opening round of voting with roughly 44% of the vote and will face left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda, a close ally of Petro, in the decisive second round.

Trump's endorsement was widely expected. Throughout his campaign, de la Espriella has aligned himself with many of the U.S. president's positions on immigration, security, crime and economic policy. He has also openly sought stronger relations with the Trump administration and has frequently praised Trump's leadership style.

"The results of this Election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States," Trump wrote, arguing that de la Espriella would boost economic growth, create jobs, promote trade, combat illegal immigration, crack down on crime and drug trafficking, and restore "law and order."

Petro's criticism comes at a particularly tense moment in Colombian politics. The president has questioned aspects of the first-round vote count, while de la Espriella has accused Petro and his allies of attempting to undermine the election's legitimacy. Electoral authorities and international observers have said they have found no evidence of widespread fraud.

The runoff is increasingly being framed as a broader ideological battle between Petro's left-wing political movement and a new generation of right-wing leaders emerging across Latin America. Analysts say Trump's endorsement could energize conservative voters, while Petro's response is likely aimed at rallying Colombians who are wary of outside influence in domestic affairs.

With less than three weeks before Colombians return to the polls, the public clash between Petro and Trump has added another layer of drama to what is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential elections in the country's recent history.