U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House, signalling a sudden diplomatic thaw just days after threatening him with possible military action over alleged drug trafficking. Trump said he would meet Petro “in the near future” following their first phone call since he returned to office in January.
In a post on Truth Social on January 8th, Trump said Petro had called to explain Colombia’s position on drugs and other disputes, adding that he “appreciated his call and tone.”
The invitation marks a sharp shift from Trump’s comments earlier this month, when he warned Petro to “watch his ass” and suggested Colombia could face a similar intervention to neighbouring Venezuela.
Tensions escalated after U.S. forces carried out a raid in Caracas that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Petro responded defiantly, calling for nationwide demonstrations and warning he was ready to resist U.S. pressure, though he later said he had softened his stance after the hour-long call and would attend the proposed White House meeting.
