Colombian President Gustavo Petro caves to Donald Trump’s tariff threat, offers plane for migrant repatriation
In a dramatic escalation of US-Colombia relations, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on Sunday that his presidential plane would be used to repatriate migrants deported from the United States. The move came after US President Donald Trump issued stern warnings and implemented punitive measures in response to Petro’s initial refusal to accept deportation flights.
Trump’s tariff threat forces Petro’s shift
Petro’s swift about-face followed Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on all Colombian goods entering the US, with the tariff set to double within a week. Trump also imposed a travel ban and visa restrictions on Colombian officials, warning that the measures were “just the beginning” of a broader response.
“This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people,” Trump stated on Truth Social, criticising Petro for rejecting deportation flights carrying Colombian migrants.
Petro initially pushed back against Trump’s measures, writing that the US must establish a protocol for the “dignified treatment” of migrants before Colombia would accept their return. “I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory,” Petro said.
However, the retaliatory tariffs prompted Petro to reverse his stance, issuing a statement in Spanish offering the presidential plane to facilitate what he called a “dignified return” for migrants.
“The Government of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the presidential plane to facilitate the dignified return of compatriots,” the translated statement read. “This measure responds to the Government’s commitment to guarantee decent conditions.”
Following Trump’s tariffs, Petro responded by instructing his trade minister to impose a matching 25% tariff on US imports to Colombia, a move he later escalated to 50%. Petro urged Colombian businesses to diversify their exports and reduce reliance on the US.
“The ministry should help direct our exports to the whole world other than the US,” Petro wrote in a translated social media post.
The escalating tariff battle has deepened tensions between the two nations. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson weighed in, warning that Congress would back Trump’s policies with sanctions and other measures to ensure compliance from foreign governments.
“Colombia and all nations should be on notice,” Johnson wrote. “President Trump is putting America first, just like he said he would.”