Colombian far-right candidate thanks Trump for second-round support

Far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella expressed honor Tuesday at receiving support from U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he considers a crucial ally against crime and narcoterrorism in Colombia. De la Espriella, running under the "Defenders of the Fatherland" movement, secured the most votes in the first round of elections with 10.3 million votes, or 43.74%.

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Very honored by the decisive support of President Trump and his entire government, a government with which I have very good relations.

In an interview with Semana magazine, De la Espriella stated he has "very good relations" with Trump's administration and emphasized the importance of the United States in combating crime and narcoterrorism to end the country's violence. He also highlighted that under his potential "era of the tiger," commercial ties with the U.S. would be strengthened, aiming to elevate trade between the two nations to unprecedented levels.

Trump publicly endorsed De la Espriella, describing him as an "intelligent, strong, and decisive" leader committed to his country. The U.S. president pledged to promote economic growth, job creation, trade, and the restoration of "law and order" if De la Espriella wins the presidency.

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The United States is our first trading partner. In the era of the tiger, these relations with the United States to combat crime and take trade between the two nations to a place never seen before will be decisive and fundamental.

However, the endorsement drew sharp criticism from current Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Petro denounced Trump's statement as an "interference" in Colombia's elections, warning that such interventions undermine freedom. He urged Colombians to vote freely and resist becoming "slaves or colonies of anyone."

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When one country intervenes in the decisions of another country. Freedom dies. I invite all of Colombia to vote in full freedom and not become slaves or colonies of anyone.