Quotes
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The unfortunate standoff offers a taste of what's to come in the relationship between Latin America and the Trump administration,
Shifter said
It seems that Petro was tempted to take political advantage of the standoff to shore up his support at home and proudly become Trump's first declared enemy,
said Shifter, the Georgetown professorIt's funny because some Americans said, "Oh, they won't pay much attention to Latin America." But one of the first ambassadors they appointed was to Colombia. They clearly understand that this region is crucial for Trump's agenda, especially since migration was a key campaign issue,
said Borda, the Colombian political analystIt was clear from the outset, with Trump as president and Rubio as secretary of state, that relations with Colombia would be fraught,
Michael Shifter, professor at Georgetown University and former president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a think-tank policy on Western Hemisphere affairs, told NewsweekPetro thinks he's giving us dignity and autonomy, putting us on equal footing with the U.S., but this will end in additional submission. The power imbalance is too great,
Colombian political analyst Sandra Borda said in an interview with Newsweek,
It is unusual for an acting ambassador, a career diplomat, to be removed from their position while awaiting the confirmation process for the permanent appointee,
reported Colombian journalist Daniel Coronell on Monday, after breaking the news on W Radio, a local radio station in BogotaAs demonstrated by today's actions, we are unwavering in our commitment to end illegal immigration and bolster America's border security."
In a statement provided to Newsweek from the secretary of state's office on Sunday, Rubio said
To 'punish' Colombia, Trump is about to make every American pay even more for coffee. Remember: *WE* pay the tariffs, not Colombia. Trump is all about making inflation WORSE for working class Americans, not better. He's lining the pockets of himself and the billionaire class."
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, wrote on X
Colombia and all nations should be on notice – Congress is fully prepared to pass sanctions and other measures against those that do not fully cooperate or follow through on requirements to accept their citizens who are illegally in the United States. President Trump is putting America first, just like he said he would. And Congress will implement policies that reinforce his agenda."
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on XThese measures are just the beginning,
Trump wroteToday's events make clear to the world that America is respected again,
the White House said
President Trump has made it clear that under his administration, America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of. It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X on SundayTrump: I am imposing 25% tariffs on Colombia after they refused to accept our repatriation flights. Petro: Here is my plane."
Collin Rugg, co-owner of Trending Politics, a conservative commentary site, wrote on X on SundayThe Left shrieked and said it wasn't properly diplomatic and would create a major problem,
Political commentator Joey Mannarino wrote on X on Sunday ... referring to Trump's retaliatory measures on Colombia
Maybe one day, over a glass of whiskey, which I accept, despite my gastritis, we can talk frankly about this, but it's difficult because you consider me an inferior race and I'm not, nor is any Colombian."
Petro subsequently wrote to Trump on XFROM TODAY ON, COLOMBIA IS OPEN TO THE ENTIRE WORLD, WITH OPEN ARMS, WE ARE BUILDERS OF FREEDOM, LIFE AND HUMANITY. I am informed that you impose a 50% tariff on the fruits of our human labor to enter the United States, and I do the same. Let our people plant corn that was discovered in Colombia and feed the world."
The Colombian president addedThis measure reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring dignified conditions. Under no circumstances will Colombians, as patriots and rights-bearing individuals, be banished from Colombian territory."
It addedIn one week, the 25% tariffs will be raised to 50%,
he addedThis order was given by Colombia's Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people. Petro's denial of these flights has jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States,
wrote Trump, who said thatThis is what it looks like when you have a President who is tough, competent and not spending his days in bed napping,
Donald Trump Jr., President Donald Trump's eldest son, wrote on X on Sunday ... in an apparent dig at former President Joe Biden