Dialogos

Colombian President Petro Vows to Take Up Arms in Response to Trump's Threats

Published January 5, 2026, 16:02
Colombian President Petro Vows to Take Up Arms in Response to Trump's Threats

Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to threats from former US President Donald Trump, stating he would "take up arms" for his country. This response came after Trump's comments that labeled Petro a “sick man” who traffics cocaine into the United States. Petro, a former rebel, had sworn never to use weapons again, but stated he would do so if necessary to defend Colombia. The Cuban government condemned the “cowardly American aggression” and characterized it as a criminal act and a violation of international law. Cuba accused the United States of a long-running war campaign against Venezuela and demanded the immediate release of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. These statements highlight the growing tension between the United States and some Latin American countries. This crisis underscores the complex relationships in the region and the potential consequences of inflammatory statements from high-ranking political leaders.