After months of acrimony, Colombia's Petro is about to meet Trump

Colombian President Gustavo Petro visited the White House to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Colombia relations after months of acrimony. The meeting comes amid ongoing tensions, with Trump having accused Petro of contributing to cocaine trafficking into the United States, while Petro has criticized U.S. actions in Venezuela. This visit is seen as an effort to mend strained diplomatic ties that have been characterized by sharp disagreements over drug policy and military actions (Deutsche Welle, Al Jazeera, France24). During the closed-door meeting, which was not open to the press, both leaders attempted to set aside their previous insults. Trump had previously labeled Petro as a "drug trafficking leader," while Petro referred to Trump as an "accomplice to genocide" with a "senile brain." Despite this history of derogatory remarks, the meeting concluded with amicable gestures, including warm words and autographs exchanged between the two leaders (Al Jazeera). The discussions were expected to focus on cooperation in counter-narcotics efforts and other shared concerns, highlighting the importance of addressing drug trafficking issues. This meeting follows Trump's earlier comments suggesting that Petro could face a fate similar to that of Nicolás Maduro, underscoring the tense backdrop against which this diplomatic engagement is taking place (Fox News, France24). Overall, the visit signifies a potential shift in the dynamics of U.S.-Colombia relations, as both leaders seek to reset their interactions after a period of intense diplomatic tension. The outcome of their discussions may influence future cooperation on key issues affecting both nations (Al Jazeera, Deutsche Welle).