LIVE: Trump, Petro to meet at the White House after months of tensions

US President Donald Trump is set to welcome Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Washington, DC for talks, marking a significant diplomatic meeting after months of tensions between the two leaders. The meeting comes after a period characterized by harsh public insults exchanged between Trump and Petro, with Trump referring to Petro as a “sick man” and accusing him of being a “drug trafficking leader.” In response, Petro labeled Trump an “accomplice to genocide” and criticized his policies regarding Venezuela (France24, The Hindu). The discussions are expected to focus on cooperation in counter-narcotics and other shared concerns, particularly Colombia’s anti-drug strategy, which has faced intense scrutiny. The two leaders have disagreed sharply over how best to address Colombia’s cocaine production and the role of U.S. military action in the region (Al Jazeera, France24). Despite the previous hostilities, the meeting concluded with warm words and amicable gestures, including autographs and a MAGA cap, signaling a potential thaw in relations (The Guardian). The closed-door meeting at the White House did not allow for press access, but it represents an effort to reset diplomatic ties between Bogotá and Washington after a period of strife (France24, Deutsche Welle).