Trump backs right-wing Colombian candidate, calling him 'smart, strong, decisive leader'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his full support behind Colombian right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. Trump lauded De la Espriella as an "intelligent, strong, and decisive leader" on his Truth Social platform, predicting he would boost economic growth, job creation, trade, and law and order if elected.

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Trump described De la Espriella as a leader "intelligent, strong, and decisive" who fights for his country.

The endorsement comes as De la Espriella faces a June 21 runoff against leftist candidate Iván Cepeda. Trump framed the election as a crucial choice for Colombia's future and its relationship with the United States, contrasting De la Espriella with a candidate he labels as "radical left."

De la Espriella, who also referred to himself as 'El Tigre,' thanked Trump for his backing, stating that the U.S. is "determinant" in combating crime and narcoterrorism in Colombia. He expressed confidence that under his leadership, Colombia would forge an unprecedented partnership with the United States.

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The U.S. is determinant to combat crime and narcoterrorism in our country. I am very honored to receive the decisive support of President Donald Trump and his government, and I know that in the era of El Tigre, we will have a partnership like Colombia has never had with the United States.

The election's first round saw De la Espriella emerge as the leading vote-getter, with official counts confirming the results. The European Union's Electoral Observation Mission in Colombia reported that the elections were conducted in an "orderly, transparent, and fluid" manner, dismissing any claims of data manipulation.

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The elections were conducted in an "orderly, transparent, and fluid" manner.