By: The Trek News Desk
US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying the idea of a US military operation in Colombia “sounds fine” to him. At the same time, Trump claimed that Cuba’s government is nearing collapse and urged Mexico to “get its act together” over the flow of drugs into the United States.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump made the remarks amid growing international criticism of Washington’s recent action in Venezuela, where US forces detained President Nicolás Maduro. Several countries, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain, have condemned the move, calling it a dangerous precedent that threatens regional peace and stability.
Trump described both Colombia and Venezuela as countries in deep trouble and accused the government in Bogotá of being led by someone linked to the drug trade. Targeting President Petro directly, Trump suggested he would not remain in power for long. When asked whether his comments implied a possible US operation in Colombia, Trump responded positively, saying the idea appealed to him.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted strongly, urging Trump to stop making what he called defamatory remarks. He also appealed to Latin American nations to stand united, warning that without regional solidarity, countries risk being treated as subordinates. Petro stressed that retaliation was not the solution and argued instead for cooperation and unity across Latin America.
Trump’s comments came just a day after the US operation in Caracas that led to Maduro’s detention. Washington claims the move was part of a law enforcement effort linked to alleged narco-terrorism charges. Maduro has rejected the accusations, while his supporters argue that the real motive is US interest in Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
The US president insisted that Washington is now effectively in control of the situation in Venezuela, despite the country’s Supreme Court appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. He warned that further US military involvement remained an option if Venezuela failed to comply with US expectations.
Turning to Cuba, Trump said there was no need for direct US intervention, arguing that the island nation is already economically weakened. He claimed Cuba’s economy has suffered heavily since Venezuelan oil supplies declined, leaving the government on the brink of collapse.
On Mexico, Trump warned that drugs continue to enter the US through its southern neighbor and said action may be necessary if the situation does not improve. While he praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as a capable leader, he added that powerful drug cartels remain a serious challenge.
Trump has previously made tough statements regarding Colombia and Cuba. Following recent developments, he again signaled that Washington is closely watching political conditions in both countries and may revisit the issue in the near future.
Source: News Agencies
