Former U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right presidential candidate in Colombia, ahead of the first-round election [1].
The endorsement signals a potential shift in Colombian foreign policy and internal security. De la Espriella, who uses the nickname “The Tiger,” is campaigning on a platform that emphasizes closer collaboration with the United States and a military crackdown on narcoterrorism [2].
The first round of the presidential election is scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026 [3]. This endorsement comes as Colombian voters shift toward right-wing candidates due to growing security concerns and a demand for a more aggressive stance against narcotics [4].
Trump's intervention in the campaign occurred on Tuesday night [5]. "He is important for the U.S.-Colombia relationship," Trump said [6].
De la Espriella has gained significant momentum despite early polling that showed a leftist candidate leading the race [7]. Some reports indicate he has captured 44 percent of the vote in the first-round process [8]. His campaign activity has remained centered in the capital city of Bogotá [9].
His approach to security is often compared to other right-wing leaders in the region who favor hardline tactics to restore order [10]. By aligning himself with Trump, de la Espriella is positioning himself as the primary alternative to the Colombian left, promising a departure from previous administrations' strategies regarding cartel violence, and diplomatic ties with Washington.
“"He is important for the U.S.-Colombia relationship."”
The endorsement of Abelardo de la Espriella by Donald Trump reflects a broader trend of right-wing populism across Latin America. If de la Espriella wins, Colombia could move away from the leftist policies of recent years, likely resulting in increased military spending and a more aggressive, U.S.-aligned strategy to combat drug trafficking and insurgent groups.
