Trump criticizes Petro, praises president-elect De la Espriella as 'fighter'

President Donald Trump has sharply criticized outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro while praising president-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, whom he called a 'fighter' and predicted will be a 'great president'. Trump's comments came as De la Espriella narrowly won the second round of Colombia's presidential election with 49.66% of the vote against leftist Iván Cepeda's 48.7%. Cepeda conceded defeat on Wednesday. Source: infobae

Trump's statements

In remarks from the Oval Office, Trump said: "No me gustaba en absoluto el hombre que era presidente y lo respaldé (a De la Espriella). Es un luchador, un gran luchador." Source: infobae He added that the bilateral relationship would be "much better" under De la Espriella, whom he described as "un buen hombre" and a "gran presidente." Source: diariolibree Trump claimed his endorsement lifted De la Espriella from "décimo lugar" in polls to victory, though he actually announced support after the first round, where De la Espriella already led. Source: infobae

Context and reaction

• Trump spoke with De la Espriella by phone on Sunday night, thanking him for acknowledging Trump's endorsement. Source: diariolibree
• The president-elect, an ultraright ally, promises alignment with Washington on security and migration, marking a sharp shift from the tense relationship under Petro, who was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury over alleged narcotics ties. Source: infobae, diariolibree