Donald Trump’s backing of Colombia’s right‑wing candidate draws US Democratic rebuke

A group of 20 US Democratic lawmakers condemned President Donald Trump’s attempts to influence Colombia’s presidential runoff, calling the actions an “insult to sovereignty” and a breach of the United States’ non‑interference principle. The runoff pits officialist Iván Cepeda against ultra‑right candidate Abelardo de la Espriña, who led the first round with 43.7% of the vote. Trump publicly pledged “the full force of Washington” to support de la Espriña, prompting criticism from the Colombian government. President Gustavo Petro urged Trump not to intervene, stating, “I ask, as president of Colombia, that you do not interfere in the campaign that the people of Colombia freely decide.” Petro warned that foreign financing of campaigns is a crime in Colombia and accused external actors of trying to “turn lies into truth.” The dispute highlights heightened international attention on Colombia’s electoral outcome and concerns over foreign influence in democratic processes.