Remember when President Donald Trump accused Colombia’s Gustavo Petro of flooding the U.S. with cocaine and even hinted at military action? Well, prepare for a dramatic plot twist! Just weeks after those fiery remarks, the two leaders met for a nearly two-hour summit, emerging with smiles and surprisingly warm words.
“We had a very good meeting,” Trump declared, downplaying past insults by claiming he “never met him” before. Petro echoed the sentiment, calling the outcome “positive and optimistic” and emphasizing a shared bond in “freedom.”
The meeting, held in the Oval Office, was a stark contrast to their recent public sparring. Gone were the threats; instead, gifts were exchanged. Trump presented Petro with a signed copy of “The Art of the Deal,” inscribed with “You are great.” Petro, in turn, received a red “Make America Great Again” cap, playfully suggesting he’d add an ‘s’ to make it “Make the Americas Great Again” – a nod to broader hemispheric unity.
Discussions covered critical topics, including battling illegal drug flows. Petro highlighted the complex reality, noting that for many in remote areas, drug cultivation is their only means of survival. He also urged Trump to pursue the “top tier” kingpins living in luxury abroad, rather than just those in uniform on the ground. They also touched on reactivating Venezuela’s economy and future cooperation.
In a remarkable gesture, Petro even invited Trump to visit the beautiful Colombian resort city of Cartagena. What began with fierce accusations ended with an unexpected handshake and an open invitation, proving that in diplomacy, even the coldest relations can thaw.
