Trump Backs Right-Wing Outsider De la Espriella in Colombian Presidential Election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Colombian right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, calling the election crucial for Colombia's future and its ties with the United States. Trump announced his endorsement on his social media platform, Truth Social.

"Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life and his political support for me personally, it is my honor to give Abelardo my full and total backing," Trump wrote. He expressed confidence that de la Espriella, a 47-year-old political outsider known as "The Tiger," would be highly successful as president.

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Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life and his political support for me personally, it is my honor to give Abelardo my full and total backing.

Trump predicted that de la Espriella would lead Colombia to economic growth, create jobs, promote trade, halt illegal immigration, crack down on crime and drugs, and restore law and order. De la Espriella, who admires Trump, secured a narrow victory in the first round of the presidential election. However, no candidate achieved the required 50% of the vote, forcing a second round.

The runoff election is scheduled for June 21. De la Espriella will compete against the left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda, who has the backing of the current Colombian president. Trump's endorsement highlights the international dimension of Colombia's political landscape and signals a potential alignment with a U.S. administration favoring conservative policies.

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As president, Abelardo would be tremendously successful in leading Colombia to grow its economy, create jobs, promote trade, stop illegal immigration, crack down on crime and drugs, and restore law and order.