Who is Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, former Marxist guerrilla and country’s first leftist leader?

The recent public feud between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro has captured the attention of many, shedding light on the former Marxist guerrilla turned political leader. The conflict escalated over social media, with Trump threatening to impose hefty tariffs on all imports from Colombia if the country did not accept military planes carrying deported Colombians as part of Trump’s deportation efforts.

The trade war was narrowly avoided after Petro seemingly agreed to allow flights carrying deported Colombians, who were accused of entering the U.S. illegally, to land in Colombia. However, before backing down, Petro issued a strongly worded statement criticizing Trump’s actions and defending Colombia’s sovereignty. This clash between the two leaders highlights the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Colombia.

Petro, who became Colombia’s first leftist leader in 2022, has a background as a former member of the M-19 guerrilla group. Despite concerns that left-leaning politicians may be soft on violence, Petro’s election was welcomed by many in Colombia who hoped for an end to the country’s history of violence, human rights abuses, and poverty.

However, Petro’s diplomatic pursuits have raised concerns among conservatives in the U.S. Colombia has long been considered a crucial ally to the United States in Latin America, with billions of dollars in trade flowing between the two countries. Petro’s controversial stances on issues such as Venezuela, Israel, and U.S. policies have strained relations between the two nations.

Since taking office, Petro has restored diplomatic ties with Venezuela and criticized Israel for its actions in Gaza. His confrontational approach to foreign policy has raised eyebrows in Washington, where officials worry about Colombia’s shifting alliances and the potential impact on U.S. interests in the region.

Despite the recent tensions, both Trump and Petro have indicated a willingness to work towards a resolution. Colombian officials, including the foreign minister and ambassador to the U.S., are set to travel to Washington to discuss the agreements reached over the weekend and prevent a full-blown trade war between the two countries.

The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but the clash between Trump and Petro serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in Latin America. As both leaders navigate their respective roles on the global stage, the future of U.S.-Colombia relations hangs in the balance.