Petro responds to Trump’s tariffs with reciprocal measures and defiant rhetoric

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has responded defiantly to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% emergency tariffs on Colombian exports to the United States. In a detailed message shared on social media, Petro announced a reciprocal measure: a 25% tariff on U.S. exports to Colombia. He also instructed his trade minister to redirect Colombia’s exports to other global markets, emphasizing a shift away from dependency on the U.S.

Petro criticized Trump’s actions, stating that if the U.S. imposes a 50% tariff on Colombian products, Colombia will retaliate in kind. He encouraged Colombians to focus on domestic agriculture, particularly corn, and position themselves as global suppliers. The president’s tone was confrontational, rejecting efforts to ease tensions.

Petro dismissed the U.S. decision to suspend visas for him and his family, claiming he rarely travels to the U.S. and finds it unappealing. Despite his combative rhetoric, Petro hinted at a willingness to dialogue, inviting Trump to discuss their differences. However, he criticized Trump’s oil policies as harmful to humanity and referenced historical racial struggles in the U.S., urging unity among marginalized groups.

Petro accused the U.S. of attempting to overthrow his government, drawing parallels to past interventions in Latin America, such as the coup against Salvador Allende in Chile. He declared his intent to resist any economic or political aggression, asserting Colombia’s identity as a land of freedom and refusing to align with colonialist attitudes.

Source: El Colombiano.