U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro held Trump Petro talks at the White House. After months of harsh criticism, both leaders ended the meeting on a positive note. They discussed Venezuelan gas exports and ways to fight drug trafficking in the region. Trump described Petro as “terrific” and said the leaders “got along very well.” Petro called the discussion “optimistic” and “constructive.” Photos from the White House meeting showed a friendly atmosphere, although talks were held privately.
Previously, Trump had called Petro a “sick man,” and Petro criticized Trump’s immigration policies. Despite these tensions, both leaders found areas to cooperate during the Trump Petro talks. Trump also said he would consider lifting sanctions against Petro that were imposed last year. Petro denied all allegations of links to the drug trade, calling them false. The leaders pledged to fight the ELN rebel group together. Petro shared a handwritten note from Trump saying, “a great honour – I love Colombia,” along with a photo of them together. He emphasized that their approaches might differ, but cooperation matters more than disagreement.
Before the talks, Colombian officials presented evidence of anti-drug efforts, including cocaine seizures and destroyed labs. Petro asked Trump to target top drug traffickers abroad, in the United States, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates. On Venezuela, Petro suggested the US, Colombia, and Venezuela could work together to export oil and gas. He said sanctions and competition had caused losses for all three countries. Trump agreed to mediate in Colombia’s trade dispute with Ecuador, which had caused tensions recently.
Petro also proposed a “pact for life” to strengthen cooperation in the Americas. He said it would focus on shared goals rather than differences, echoing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Both leaders emphasized that building partnerships matters more than past disagreements. The Trump Petro talks highlighted shared interests in trade, drugs, and regional stability. Both leaders left the meeting showing optimism and a willingness to work together on future challenges.
