Colombia’s Marxist president, Gustavo Petro, has issued a groveling apology to President Trump, days after accusing his administration of plotting a “coup” against him.
The letter, which was obtained by Colombian media outlets, attempted to ease tensions between the two countries that are at their lowest point in years.
“My concern has always been to warn about destabilizing dynamics affecting our region, often driven by diverse actors with conflicting interests,” it read.
”In this context, I recognize that some of my words may have been perceived as unnecessarily harsh.”
“In the interest of dialogue, I want to say that my intention is not to close doors, but to open paths for honest and respectful conversation between our countries.”
Acá la carta de retractación de Gustavo Petro a Donald Trump por haber acusado, sin fundamento a EEUU por estar tras un supuesto golpe en su contra. A pesar de este gesto, Washington retiró a su representante diplomático en el país.
El tema seguirá. Detalles en… pic.twitter.com/WwqXNRAs4C
— Luis Carlos Vélez (@lcvelez) July 7, 2025
Petro, who was a former member of the Marxist guerrilla group M-19, has driven relations between Colombia and the U.S. to their lowest point in years because of his obvious disdain for the current administration.
During a speech in the city of Cali last month, Petro accused the U.S. of “plotting a coup” against him in order to fill “all of Colombia with criminal gangs.”
These comments led to an escalation in tensions, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio recalling the charge d’affaires ad interim in Bogotá.
Rubio said he took the decision in response to “baseless and reprehensible statements” made by Petro and other top Colombian officials.
Recalled our Chargé d’Affaires ad interim from Bogotá for urgent consultations following baseless and reprehensible statements from senior Colombian government officials. Our nation is committed to the U.S.-Colombia bilateral relationship and the Colombian people. We will remain…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 3, 2025
Tensions between the two countries first flared up back in February after Petro initially tried to prevent deportation flights carrying illegal aliens back to Colombia.
However, Petro quickly walked back his position after Trump threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff and rescind the visas of Colombian officials, in addition to a range of other sanctions.
BREAKING: Colombia’s President just issued a response to President Trump, folding faster than a camping tent.
“The Colombian Government, under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged for the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of the compatriots… pic.twitter.com/ek5oSIHDqX
— George (@BehizyTweets) January 26, 2025