In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has taken aim at Donald Trump with sharp words, accusing him of being a “white slaveholder” and warning of dire consequences for humanity.

The heated exchange has deepened an already bitter dispute over deportation flights and trade sanctions, further straining relations between the two nations.

Petro’s Bold Response to Trump’s Tariffs

The confrontation began when President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Colombian imports and revoked visas for Colombian government officials after the country refused to accept two U.S. deportation flights.

In response, Petro initially backed down, offering his presidential plane to facilitate the return of deported citizens.

However, shortly after, he launched a blistering attack on Trump, calling him out for his “greed” and accusing him of prioritizing profit over humanity.

Trump, unfazed, threatened to double the tariffs to 50% within a week, escalating tensions further.

Petro retaliated by imposing his own 25% tariff on U.S. goods, which he vowed would also rise to 50%.

Heated Words and Petro’s Defiance

Petro’s fiery rhetoric did not stop there.

Speaking publicly, he declared, “I don’t shake hands with white slavers,” accusing Trump of trying to dominate Colombia through economic coercion.

He painted a picture of Colombia as the “heart of the world” and denounced what he saw as an attempt to undermine the nation’s sovereignty.

Trump’s measures were met with a mix of criticism and defiance from Petro, who stated, “You will never rule us.

We’ve already freed ourselves from slavers, and we won’t go back.”

He also invoked Colombia’s revolutionary history, referencing Simon Bolívar, the country’s liberator, as a symbol of resistance against foreign control.

Migrant Flights and the Struggle for Dignity

At the center of the dispute are two U.S. military aircraft carrying Colombian citizens deported from the United States.

Petro took issue with the use of military planes, arguing that his people deserved to be returned with dignity and respect.

“If that country sends them back, it should be with dignity and respect for them and for our country,” he stated.

Despite his tough words, Petro also extended an olive branch, offering to discuss the situation with Trump “one day, over a glass of whiskey.” However, he expressed skepticism about Trump’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, stating, “It’s difficult because you consider me an inferior race, and I’m not, nor is any Colombian.”

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Meanwhile, Trump has doubled down on his hardline immigration policies.

In his first week back in the Oval Office, he declared a national emergency at the southern border and signed ten executive orders targeting illegal immigration.

Deportation flights have ramped up, with plans to expel 5,400 migrants currently in detention.

Not all flights have gone smoothly.

One deportation plane bound for Mexico was grounded when the Mexican government refused to permit it to land.

However, flights to Guatemala carrying over 150 deported migrants were completed successfully.

A Clash of Ideologies

The feud between Petro and Trump highlights a deeper ideological divide.

Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, has long been opposed to Trump’s right-wing populism and policies.

Petro’s background as a former guerrilla fighter turned politician underscores his defiance of foreign dominance and economic exploitation.

Petro’s rise to power has been marked by his opposition to Colombia’s traditional elite and his advocacy for progressive reforms.

His confrontation with Trump is seen by many as an extension of his broader struggle against what he perceives as oppressive global powers.

What’s Next for U.S.-Colombia Relations?

The escalating conflict has left the future of U.S.-Colombia relations uncertain.

While the two nations have historically been close allies, this dispute threatens to upend their longstanding partnership.

Experts have called the situation a “bold and daring escalation on both sides,” with both leaders unwilling to back down.

Petro’s fiery words and Trump’s retaliatory measures have set the stage for a prolonged standoff.

Whether the two leaders can find common ground remains to be seen, but for now, the feud shows no signs of cooling.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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