Colombian Senator Wears White Elephant Suit to TIME Gala to Highlight Corruption

Luis Carlos Rúa, a newly elected Colombian senator, attended the 2026 TIME 100 Next gala in Manhattan wearing a full white elephant suit, a symbolic choice aimed at drawing attention to corruption and government mismanagement.

Rúa, who previously operated anonymously on social media as Elefante blanco (White Elephant) to expose wasteful public projects, revealed his identity just days before his election to the Senate earlier this year. He told TIME on the red carpet that his work exposing these "white elephants" is more critical than ever, particularly in the context of the aftermath of a major earthquake.

He referenced the insufficient rebuilding efforts following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia in August. The disaster resulted in over 200 deaths, 4,000 injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure, with more than 45,000 homes affected and 140 buildings collapsed, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"I want to call the attention of the world, and to raise my voice, to say that the reconstruction of my country still doesn't begin," Rúa stated. He directly addressed the Colombian President, urging him to commence the reconstruction process for the nation's cities and for its citizens who have lost homes, jobs, and families.

Rúa encouraged global citizens to advocate for Colombians by using social media to demand government action. He suggested that individuals share information about the situation in Colombia online and create videos urging the President to begin the reconstruction, emphasizing that this approach can be taken from any location.