US pledges $1bn in aid to Colombia as Trump-backed president takes office
The US state department announced $1bn in security assistance to Colombia after right-wing leader Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as president, pledging cooperation against drug trafficking and illegal immigration.
Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, was sworn into office on Friday, marking a sharp rightward shift for the country. A Trump ally, he used his first speech as president to declare an "all-out war" on what he calls "narco-terrorism". Shortly after, the US state department announced $1bn in financial assistance as part of a security package intended to support de la Espriella's administration in fighting organised crime and curbing illegal immigration.
The change in leadership represents a dramatic break from de la Espriella's predecessor, left-wing former president Gustavo Petro, who often clashed with Trump. Trump publicly backed de la Espriella during the election campaign and expressed optimism about improved relations following his June victory.
A US delegation led by newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche attended the inauguration, alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who has faced controversy in his role. Rather than holding the ceremony in the capital, Bogotá, de la Espriella chose the western city of Cali, signalling his intent to take a hard line against armed groups active in that region.
A pledge of force
Speaking to troops at a nearby military base, de la Espriella vowed to crush armed insurgents and defend democracy "by reason or by force", declaring that criminals would find no safe haven anywhere in the country.
Before entering politics, de la Espriella built a career as a lawyer representing drug-trafficking paramilitary groups, footballers and fraud suspects. Critics warn his combative approach risks deepening divisions in an already polarised nation.
Unlike Petro, who pursued peace negotiations with armed groups, de la Espriella has promised a harsh crackdown alongside the construction of large new prisons. He has also signalled plans for closer military cooperation with the US and Israel. Among his first actions as president, he announced Colombia would join the "Shield of the Americas" security alliance established by Trump. The US state department said the new administration's economic approach also opens the door to expanded trade and stronger economic ties between the two countries.
