The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced his full support for the Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who won the first electoral round and will face the communist Iván Cepeda in the runoff on June 21. The support was announced via Truth Social and marks a strong political signal from Washington in one of the most important elections in the region.
In his message, Trump congratulated De la Espriella on his victory in the first round and described him as a leader “smart, strong, and tenacious.” He also stated that the Colombian candidate “fights tirelessly for his great country and its people,” comparing that commitment to the love he claims to have for the United States.
The statement issued by Donald Trump on his social media.
The American president asserted that, as president, Abelardo would have “a resounding success” leading Colombia to boost the economy, create jobs, promote trade, stop illegal immigration, combat crime and drugs, and restore public order.
Trump emphasized that De la Espriella will face in the second round “a radical leftist Marxist,” referring to Cepeda, the candidate from the Historical Pact and representative of the continuity of the socialist narco-state model promoted by Gustavo Petro. For the Republican leader, the election results will be “crucial” for the future of Colombia and its relationship with the United States.
The future of Colombia is decided in a runoff
De la Espriella won in the first round.
The support comes after a highly polarized first round. De la Espriella emerged as the most voted candidate, with a lead over Cepeda, and established himself as the main alternative for change against the leftist establishment. The right-wing candidate obtained around 43.7% of the votes, while Cepeda came in second with about 40%.
De la Espriella's campaign focused on a platform of order, security, and economic growth: the main deficiencies faced by Colombians under Gustavo Petro. Among his main proposals are the frontal fight against drug trafficking, the recovery of state authority, the construction of mega-prisons, strengthening security forces, reducing taxes, and promoting the private sector.
Abelardo faces Gustavo Petro's candidate.
On the other side, Cepeda represents the continuity of Petro's failed leftist project, with greater state intervention, tax pressure, and a security policy marked by negotiation with criminal groups. This contrast turned the Colombian runoff into an election with regional impact.
With his support, Trump made it clear that a potential victory for the right-wing candidate could open a new chapter in the relationship between Colombia and the United States. In a continent where the left has lost ground to leaderships of order and economic freedom, Colombia is heading towards a decisive definition.
