In a surprising diplomatic moment, US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro met face‑to‑face at the White House this week, setting aside past insults and sharp disagreements to share a cordial conversation.
Petro, who arrived quietly without major public fanfare and without media access to the nearly two‑hour meeting, later described the encounter as constructive. Trump echoed that sentiment, saying they “got along very well” despite their very different political styles and past clashes.
When asked about cooperation on fighting drug trafficking from Colombia, Trump said they were actively working on it — a significant phrase given their rocky history. “He and I weren’t exactly the best of friends,” Trump admitted, “but I wasn’t insulted because I never met him. I didn’t know him at all.”
After the meeting, Petro shared a photo online showing a handwritten note from Trump that said, “Gustavo — A great honour — I love Colombia,” alongside a picture of the two leaders smiling and shaking hands — a striking image against the backdrop of months of tension.
In comments to Colombian media, Petro suggested that what had appeared to be deep political differences were, in person, less severe than expected. He also handed Trump names of key drug traffickers living outside Colombia in hopes of strengthening cooperation on narcotics enforcement.
Petro even asked Trump to act as a mediator in a diplomatic disagreement between Colombia and neighboring Ecuador, a country whose president is known to be a close Trump supporter.
Their relationship had hit rough patches. Last year, Trump publicly criticized Petro in sharp terms and even suggested military action related to drug control — and Petro had strongly condemned some of the Trump administration’s actions in the region.
Despite these tensions, both leaders now appear willing to talk, and this meeting could mark a turning point. Colombian officials also presented Washington with an overview of their anti‑drug efforts, including recent seizure data — part of Colombia’s attempt to show progress in areas of shared concern.
Yet challenges remain. Petro himself has been under US sanctions for alleged ties to the drug trade — allegations he denies — and coca production in Colombia has been rising under his leadership.
Still, for now, the leaders walked away with smiles, a handshake, and at least a public display of mutual respect — a reminder that diplomacy often requires effort and patience even between the most unlikely partners.
