Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella on June 2, 2026 [1].
The endorsement signals a direct intervention by the former president in Colombian politics as the country prepares for a high-stakes runoff. This move emphasizes a preference for right-wing governance to maintain specific bilateral security and economic ties between the two nations.
Trump issued the statement ahead of the scheduled runoff election on June 21, 2026 [2]. In his remarks, Trump focused on the strategic importance of the candidate for the relationship between the two countries. "Abelardo De La Espriella is important for the U.S.-Colombia relationship," Trump said [1].
The former president also used the endorsement to criticize De La Espriella's left-wing opponent. Trump framed the rival candidate as a threat to regional stability, specifically calling the opponent a "Radical Left Marxist" [1].
De La Espriella has positioned himself as a right-wing alternative in the race. The timing of the endorsement comes as candidates intensify their campaigns for the final vote on June 21, 2026 [2].
Trump's public support for De La Espriella follows a pattern of aligning with right-wing leaders across Latin America. By explicitly labeling the opposition as Marxist, Trump is leveraging ideological rhetoric to influence the Colombian electorate and the eventual diplomatic trajectory of the region [1].
“"Abelardo De La Espriella is important for the U.S.-Colombia relationship."”
This endorsement reflects a strategic effort to ensure the next Colombian administration aligns with right-wing ideological frameworks. By framing the election as a choice between a stable U.S. partner and a 'Marxist' alternative, Trump is attempting to shape the geopolitical landscape of South America, potentially influencing future trade and security agreements between Washington and Bogotá.
