Colombian President Gustavo Petro to Meet Donald Trump at White House on Feb 6
Updated (3 articles)
Petro’s First In‑Person White House Visit Set for Feb 6 Colombian President Gustavo Petro will travel to Washington for a first in‑person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, Feb 6, after a “cordial” phone call earlier this month [1]. The visit marks a sharp reversal from months of hostile rhetoric between the two leaders [1]. Petro’s delegation includes senior security officials to discuss bilateral concerns [1].
Agenda Focuses on Venezuela, ELN Border Threats, and Drug Trafficking The leaders will address Venezuela’s political crisis, ongoing ELN guerrilla activity along Colombia’s 1,367‑mile border, and recent U.S. strikes on alleged drug vessels [1]. Insight Crime estimates roughly 1,200 ELN members operate in eight Venezuelan states, prompting Petro to deploy 30,000 soldiers to block crossings [1]. Discussions will also cover oil security and coordinated counter‑narcotics operations [1].
Trump Accuses Petro of Counter‑Narcotics Failures, Threatens Strikes Trump has publicly accused Petro’s government of failing to curb cocaine flows north, warning of expanded strikes against land targets [1]. In November, Petro halted intelligence sharing after Trump threatened retaliation for boat attacks linked to drug traffickers [1]. The United States has formally labeled Colombia “demonstrably failed” on counter‑narcotics obligations and imposed sanctions on Petro and family members [1].
Rand Paul Mediated Call, Political Stakes Heighten Ahead of August Election Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky facilitated the phone call that led to the meeting, describing it as a “180‑degree turn” for both presidents [1]. Despite diplomatic strain, the DEA and Colombian police continue limited joint operations [1]. With Petro’s term ending in August, the outcome could influence his preferred successor, Senator Iván Cepeda, and affect Petro’s domestic political standing [1].
Timeline
1960s – The National Liberation Army (ELN) originates as a left‑wing guerrilla movement in Colombia, later extending operations into Venezuela and becoming a major conduit for drug, extortion and mineral trafficking networks [2].
2025 – A Colombian offensive in the Catatumbo region displaces over 50,000 people and prompts the suspension of ELN peace talks, highlighting the humanitarian impact of the conflict and intensifying security pressures heading into 2026 [2].
Jan 3, 2026 – U.S. forces launch an operation in Venezuela that captures former President Nicolás Maduro and transports him to New York to face narco‑terrorism charges, marking the first U.S. troop incursion into Venezuela and heightening regional tensions; the raid follows months of U.S. pressure on drug networks linked to the ELN [1][3].
Jan 5, 2026 – Interior Minister Armando Benedetti announces that Colombia will maintain coordination with the United States on drug‑trafficking interdiction, targeting laboratories and border camps while deploying U.S. intelligence and technology; Justice Minister Andrés Idarraga reinforces the focus on the Colombian‑Venezuelan frontier; President Trump publicly calls President Petro “sick” and hints at a possible U.S. military operation in Colombia, deepening diplomatic strain [3].
Jan 13, 2026 – The ELN posts on X a call for a national accord with the incoming Colombian government, proposing joint measures to combat poverty, protect ecosystems and dismantle rural drug trafficking, and signals willingness to negotiate after the recent elections; Interior Minister Benedetti notes that Petro and Trump discussed the ELN during a phone call, which helped ease bilateral tensions, while U.S. prosecutors continue to pursue Maduro for drug‑trafficking ties to the guerrilla group [2].
Feb 3, 2026 – President Gustavo Petro schedules a first‑in‑person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House for Tuesday, focusing on Venezuela, ELN activity along the 1,367‑mile border, drug‑trafficking, oil security and U.S. strikes on alleged drug vessels; Senator Rand Paul brokers the dialogue after a “cordial” phone call following the Jan 3 Maduro raid; Petro has deployed 30,000 soldiers to the border to block ELN crossings, and the United States labels Colombia “demonstrably failed” on counter‑narcotics, threatening sanctions on Petro and his family [1].
Feb 6, 2026 – Petro meets Trump at the White House, where both leaders discuss joint operations against the ELN, border security and strategies to curb cocaine flows, while Petro seeks to showcase Colombia’s counter‑narcotics achievements to a skeptical administration; the meeting occurs as Petro’s term approaches its August 2026 conclusion, influencing the political prospects of his preferred successor, Senator Iván Cepeda [1].