US Democrats warn Trump against meddling in Colombia presidential runoff

Eleven Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García, sent a letter on Wednesday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressing “deep concern” over what they described as an alleged U.S. interference in Colombia’s upcoming presidential runoff. The lawmakers cited President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of far‑right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and his criticism of left‑wing candidate Iván Cepeda, calling the endorsement a breach of U.S. interests and laws.

The letter urges U.S. officials to review any financing or international links tied to de la Espriella – including connections to Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab and other controversial figures – and to refrain from actions that could be interpreted as interference in Colombia’s sovereign electoral process. It also references the recent detention of Colombian activist Beto Coral on U.S. soil, which has raised further concerns among progressive groups.

The appeal follows a similar note sent by another group of Democratic legislators on June 12, after Trump’s social‑media post backing de la Espriella. Colombia’s first‑round vote on May 31 gave de la Espriella 43.7% and Cepeda 40.9%; the runoff is scheduled for June 21.