Colombia asks Trump to suspend tariffs after earthquake; Trump's personal, transactional diplomacy rewards allies like Milei with $20 billion

Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella has urgently requested Donald Trump to suspend tariffs following a catastrophic earthquake that has devastated the nation. This request comes as Trump’s unique style of transactional diplomacy continues to shape international relations, particularly in Latin America.¹³

On his first day in office, de la Espriella received a staggering $1 billion from Trump, aimed at bolstering Colombia's military efforts against drug cartels and guerilla groups. This financial support underscores the personal dimension of Trump’s foreign policy, which often favors leaders who align with his interests.⁵

Trump's approach has been characterized by a willingness to reward allies, as seen in Argentina, where Javier Milei was granted $20 billion in currency swaps just before a crucial midterm election. Trump explicitly stated that his support was contingent on Milei's success, saying, ‘If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina.’ This reflects a broader trend in Trump’s foreign policy, where transparency and transactional salesmanship replace traditional diplomatic norms.²⁴

As Colombia seeks to recover from the earthquake, the implications of Trump's personal diplomacy could significantly impact the region's political landscape, with leaders like de la Espriella eager to align with the U.S. for both financial and military support.