Thursday, January 8, 2026- Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly revealed that in recent weeks he seriously feared a possible U.S. military threat against his government, comparing his concern to what happened to Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro after a dramatic U.S. operation there.
Petro said he was so worried about potential action that he prepared defensive measures and even joked about sleeping beside a symbolic sword for protection — a reflection of how high diplomatic tensions had climbed between Bogotá and Washington.
These fears grew amid harsh rhetoric from President Donald Trump, who repeatedly accused Petro of being linked to drug trafficking and suggested force could be used in Colombia following aggressive actions in neighboring Venezuela.
That tense dynamic shifted this week when Petro and Trump spoke directly by phone, marking a dramatic pivot in their relationship. According to Petro, the conversation lasted about an hour and helped defuse immediate fears of an escalation into military confrontation.
After the call, both leaders described the exchange as constructive, with Trump noting he appreciated Petro’s tone and announcing plans for further diplomatic engagement. Petro, for his part, pulled back from delivering a strident nationalist speech and instead spoke of the need for dialogue and cooperation going forward.
The episode underscores how volatile U.S.–Colombia relations have become amid broader regional conflicts and shifting geopolitical strategies. What began as public threats and mutual suspicion — fueled by accusations, sanctions, and concerns over sovereignty — appears for now to be easing into diplomacy, with both sides signaling a willingness to talk rather than escalate.
Yet analysts warn that underlying mistrust and domestic pressures in both countries mean the relationship remains fragile, and future interactions will be closely watched across Latin America and beyond.
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