The United States has pledged $1 billion in assistance to Colombia, following the inauguration of the nation's new right-wing president. The announcement, made by the U.S. State Department, signifies a commitment to supporting the administration's agenda, which includes fighting organized crime, tackling "narco-terrorism," and curbing illegal immigration.
The new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who secured Trump's endorsement during his campaign, promised an "all-out war" on what he described as "narco-terrorism" in his inaugural address. He stated that "in the age of the Tiger"—his self-styled moniker—the state would act decisively against crime, asserting that "there will not be a single place in our territory where criminals can feel safe."
De la Espriella's inauguration marks a significant shift to the right for Colombia, replacing former left-wing president Gustavo Petro. The new president chose to take his oath of office in Cali, a volatile city in the country's west, a move intended to signal a firm stance against illegal armed groups operating in the region. He has vowed a departure from his predecessor's approach, opting for a crackdown on armed groups and the construction of mega-prisons rather than peace talks.
The U.S. State Department hailed the inauguration as the dawn of a "new era in US-Colombia relations." The aid package is described as a "security package" designed to help de la Espriella achieve "shared goals." The U.S. expressed readiness to support the administration's efforts to dismantle criminal organizations and emphasized closer coordination on border security to halt illegal immigration. Additionally, Washington views the new administration's "pro-growth agenda" as an opportunity to increase trade and deepen economic ties.
De la Espriella has also signaled a strong military alliance with the U.S. and Israel, a departure from Petro's critical stance toward Israel. As one of his first presidential acts, de la Espriella announced Colombia would join the "Shield of the Americas" security partnership, an initiative founded by former U.S. President Donald Trump. A U.S. delegation, led by then-acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, attended the inauguration ceremony.