Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro for refusing to allow deportation flights carrying Colombian nationals from the United States to land in his country. Trump asserted that Petro’s decision poses a threat to U.S. national security and public safety.
According to a report by Fox News, Trump accused the Colombian government of failing to meet its legal obligations to accept and repatriate individuals deported from the United States.
“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of illegal criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s socialist president Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular among his people,” Trump stated in a social media post on Sunday.
In response to Colombia’s refusal, Trump announced plans for a series of retaliatory measures, including economic and diplomatic sanctions. He revealed that his administration would impose emergency tariffs of up to 50% on all goods imported from Colombia within one week. Additionally, travel bans and visa revocations targeting Colombian government officials, their party members, family members, and supporters would take effect immediately.
Further actions include enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections for Colombian nationals and cargo entering the United States. Trump also stated that financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) would be fully enforced.
Trump characterized Petro’s decision as detrimental to both U.S. security and bilateral relations, framing the measures as necessary to uphold the United States’ safety and legal frameworks.
Colombian officials have yet to respond to these developments.
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