US congressmen fear White House interference in Colombia's election campaign

A group of U.S. congressmen has voiced concerns regarding alleged political interference by high-ranking American officials in Colombia's presidential election process. Democratic congressman Jesús 'Chuy' García led a letter signed by 11 U.S. legislators, expressing worry about the upcoming election runoff scheduled for Sunday.

The letter, addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, questions the backing of American political figures, including President Donald Trump, for the far-right Colombian candidate Abelardo de la Espriella. The signatories identify de la Espriella as a controversial figure whose background might conflict with U.S. interests and laws.

The legislators also referenced the detention of Colombian activist Beto Coral on U.S. territory, an event that has reportedly caused unease among progressive organizations and religious sectors involved in the complaint. The document calls on U.S. authorities to investigate potential ties between the candidate and international financing networks and actors. It also urges them to refrain from any actions that could interfere with Colombia's electoral sovereignty.

This letter follows a similar one sent by another group of Democratic legislators on June 12, which accused President Donald Trump of attempting to influence the second round of Colombia's presidential election. Trump had publicly endorsed de la Espriella on social media after his first-round victory, labeling the official candidate, Iván Cepeda, as a representative of the "radical left." Trump asserted that de la Espriella's potential win would benefit economic growth, security, and cooperation between the two nations, an intervention that drew criticism from the Colombian government and others who deemed it interference.

The second round of the presidential election is set for June 21. In the first round on May 31, Abelardo De la Espriella secured 43.7% of the vote, followed by Pacto Histórico candidate Cepeda with 40.9%. The campaign for the runoff has been marked by high political polarization, with both candidates representing opposing platforms. The election outcome has attracted significant international attention regarding Colombia's future political direction.