- De la Espriella was sworn in as president on Friday in a ceremony attended by a US delegation that included acting attorney general Todd Blanche.
- The US State Department announced plans to provide a $1 billion security package to support President Abelardo de la Espriella's administration.
- Washington welcomed Colombia into the Shield of the Americas alliance, aimed at combating narcotrafficking.
- Trump had publicly feuded with former President Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, over various issues.
- Trump endorsed de la Espriella during the elections, praising him as a "smart, strong, and tough leader."
The U.S. State Department announced a $1 billion security package for Colombia's newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella, emphasizing a commitment to shared goals in security and economic prosperity.2
De la Espriella, who was sworn in on Friday, aims to tackle crime and revive the economy.
The U.S. delegation, including acting attorney general Todd Blanche, attended the inauguration, highlighting the U.S. commitment to strengthening ties with Colombia.
President Trump praised de la Espriella as a “smart, strong, and tough leader” and assured him of the “total support and strength of the United States”.
The announcement coincides with Colombia's entry into the “Shield of the Americas,” a military alliance of right-wing governments dedicated to combating drug trafficking.3
The State Department stated, “The Trump Administration welcomes Colombia joining the Shield of the Americas and stands ready to support the de la Espriella Administration’s efforts to defeat the vicious narcoterrorist and criminal organizations that threaten U.S., Colombian, and hemispheric security and economic prosperity.”
This move reflects Trump's strategy to enhance U.S. influence in Latin America, following previous actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and military operations in the Caribbean.
Critics, including former President Gustavo Petro, have condemned these actions as illegal and imperialistic, accusing Trump of complicity in violence.
The U.S. aims to bolster its partnership with Colombia, focusing on shared security challenges and economic development.
“The package aims to support de la Espriella's crackdown on crime and economic revival, with the State Department citing 'shared goals.' Trump, who called de la Espriella a 'smart, strong, and tough leader,' has also ordered strikes on Caribbean boats and seized Maduro, drawing criticism from rights advocates.”
Euronews.com
