Colombian President Gustavo Petro held a high-stakes meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 3, 2026, marking their first face-to-face discussion since 2025. The encounter follows months of public disagreements over drug enforcement strategies and migration policies affecting hemispheric relations.
Analysts note the timing coincides with renewed debates about cocaine production levels in Colombia and U.S. border security measures. While neither leader released detailed statements, observers speculate the talks addressed coordination challenges in combating transnational crime networks.
Michelle Begue reports from Bogotá that the meeting has sparked mixed reactions in Colombia, where some view it as an opportunity to reset bilateral cooperation. However, human rights advocates remain cautious, citing ongoing concerns about rural security and economic displacement driving migration flows.
