Colombia Withdraws Its Ambassador to Washington

Colombia—once the top U.S. ally in Latin America and a key partner in the war on drugs—has withdrawn its ambassador to Washington as relations with the U.S. continue to deteriorate under President Trump’s second term.

Over the weekend, Petro voiced support for the “No Kings” rallies in the U.S. and reiterated that “Colombia does not accept kings.” (Photo: Ajay Suresh Flickr)

The decision follows Trump’s threats to cut U.S. aid to the country and to intervene in Colombia to curb the flow of cocaine, Brittney Melton reported for National Public Radio (NPR).

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist leader who opposes Trump on nearly every issue, has not hesitated to express his disagreement, says NPR reporter John Otis.

Over the weekend, Petro voiced support for the “No Kings” rallies in the U.S. and reiterated that “Colombia does not accept kings.”

Colombia receives roughly $230 million a year in U.S. aid, much of which goes toward fighting drug cartels. However, Trump has accused Petro—without evidence—of being a “drug kingpin,” prompting Bogotá to accuse Trump of “lying through his teeth.”