Washington: US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro struck a notably warmer tone after a closed-door White House meeting, signalling a possible reset in ties following a year of sharp exchanges, threats and policy clashes between the two leaders.
Speaking after the meeting, Petro described the talks as constructive and positive, while Trump said the two leaders “got along very well,” despite their earlier public hostility. The interaction marks a shift after months of friction over drug trafficking, Venezuela, deportations and regional security issues.
Both sides indicated that cooperation on anti-drug operations and sanctions relief could now move forward through dialogue rather than confrontation.
Leaders soften tone after months of public sparring
Petro, a left-wing leader who has frequently criticised US regional policy, said his first in-person meeting with Trump helped clear misunderstandings.
“My impression of the meeting a few hours ago is first and foremost that it was positive,” Petro told reporters after the talks. He added that frank discussion helped bridge political differences.
Trump also adopted a conciliatory tone, noting that although relations had been strained, the personal interaction changed the dynamic.
“He and I weren’t exactly the best of friends, but I wasn’t insulted because I never met him. I didn’t know him at all, and we got along very well,” Trump said at the White House.
The US President had previously accused Colombia of fuelling cocaine flows into the United States and had issued unusually sharp warnings directed at Petro during earlier speeches and media interactions.
Focus on drug trafficking and sanctions
A key outcome of the meeting was renewed emphasis on joint anti-drug trafficking efforts. Trump said both countries are now “working on” deeper cooperation in tackling narcotics networks operating across the region.
He also indicated that discussions are underway regarding lifting certain US sanctions imposed on Colombia during the period of strained relations. No formal announcement has yet been made, but officials suggested technical-level talks will follow.
Petro said before the meeting that he intended to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating drug trafficking, but through methods that prioritise “life and peace” in affected territories — an apparent reference to his criticism of aggressive interdiction strikes on suspected drug boats that have resulted in casualties.
Closed-door format avoided public confrontation
Unlike several of Trump’s past Oval Office meetings with foreign leaders that turned confrontational in front of cameras, this meeting was held behind closed doors, with reporters kept out.
Photos later released by Petro’s office showed the two leaders seated together in the Oval Office, joined by US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and senior Colombian officials. The images also captured a handshake in the West Wing colonnade.
One photo showed Trump signing a copy of his book The Art of the Deal with a handwritten note to Petro reading, “You are great.”
Petro responded with praise of his own, saying he appreciates directness in political dialogue. “The truth is I like straightforward Americans, people who say what they feel. We’re different, undoubtedly, by a lot. But frankness comes first,” he said.
Regional tensions and Venezuela factor
Relations between the two leaders had worsened sharply over Venezuela and regional security policy. Petro had repeatedly defended Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, while Trump took an aggressive line against Caracas and signalled openness to Venezuela-style action elsewhere in the region.
After a US-linked operation that led to Maduro’s fall earlier this year, Trump intensified his criticism of Petro, at one point suggesting similar action against Colombia’s leadership “sounds good.”
However, both sides confirmed that tensions began easing after a reportedly cordial phone call in early January, which set the stage for the White House meeting.
Trade and deportation issues also addressed
Petro said Trump agreed to help mediate a growing trade dispute between Colombia and Ecuador. The two neighbouring countries have imposed import tariffs of 30 per cent on each other amid disagreements over anti-drug enforcement and border controls.
In a significant goodwill gesture ahead of the meeting, Colombia extradited an accused drug lord to the United States after a months-long pause on such transfers.
Colombia also recently reversed its earlier refusal to accept US deportation flights — a decision that had been one of the triggers for the diplomatic rift last year.
Conclusion
While deep political differences remain between Trump and Petro, the White House meeting suggests both sides are willing to stabilise relations around shared security and anti-drug priorities. Concrete outcomes on sanctions, trade disputes and enforcement cooperation will determine whether the diplomatic thaw turns into a sustained reset.