Politis

“I Will Take Up Arms”: Colombian President Responds to Trump’s Threats of Attack

Published January 5, 2026, 16:19
“I Will Take Up Arms”: Colombian President Responds to Trump’s Threats of Attack

The President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, warned that he would “take up arms” if the United States decides to attack him or the country, following a series of threats from Donald Trump. Petro pointed out his efforts to combat drug trafficking, which Trump has criticized, and stated that US military attacks on drug traffickers in Colombia risk killing children and strengthening recruitment into insurgent groups that have been in conflict with the state for decades. Petro, a former member of the armed revolutionary group M19, also stated that he would defend Colombia at all costs. Trump strongly criticized Petro on Sunday, calling him “a sick man who likes to make cocaine and sell it to the United States, and he won’t be doing that for much longer.” When asked by a reporter if these statements meant a “operation” in Colombia in the future, Trump replied, “That sounds good to me.”