Colombian President Gustavo Petro vows to 'take up arms' after Trump threats escalate tensions

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA: Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Monday, January 5, vowed to “take up arms” in response to threats from President Donald Trump, escalating tensions following a US military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores.

Trump’s comments, which included suggesting a potential operation in Colombia, resulted in a reaction from Bogotá. 

The exchange comes amid growing international concern over US intervention rhetoric in the region. Leaders in Mexico and Greenland also issued strong responses to Trump’s remarks.

Gustavo Petro responds after Trump suggests military operation 

President Gustavo Petro responded after President Donald Trump said that Colombia was “very sick” and suggested that a US military operation there “sounds good.”

Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, shortly after the US operation in Venezuela. 

Petro responded on social media platform X, with a warning against foreign intervention, saying, “I swore not to touch a weapon again… but for the homeland I will take up arms again.”

He added, “I am not illegitimate, nor am I a n***o.” Petro elaborated, saying, “I have not been a military man, I know about war and clandestinity. I swore not to touch a weapon again since the 1989 Peace Pact, but for the Homeland I will take up arms again that I do not want.”

Trump’s comments followed a series of critical remarks directed at the Colombian leader.

“Colombia’s very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making c*****e and selling it to the United States,” Trump said, adding that Petro is “not going to be doing it very long.”

When asked directly whether the US would carry out a military operation in Colombia, Trump replied, “It sounds good to me." 

President Trump also warned Petro to “watch his a**,” intensifying rhetoric between the two leaders.

Petro has clashed repeatedly with Trump since the start of his second term, particularly over migration, tariffs, and d**g policy.

Colombia and the United States have historically maintained close military and economic ties, though relations have reportedly become strained in recent months.

Mexico and Greenland reject US intervention 

Beyond Colombia, Trump’s remarks prompted swift pushback from leaders in Mexico and Greenland.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the US operation in Venezuela and warned against further intervention in the region.

“We categorically reject intervention in the internal matters of other countries,” Sheinbaum said. She added, “It is necessary to reaffirm that in Mexico the people rule, and that we are a free and sovereign country, cooperation, yes; subordination and intervention, no.”

Sheinbaum noted that Mexico continues to cooperate with the US on illegal substance issues and security while emphasizing its sovereignty.

Trump also renewed his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns.

“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it,” he said. “It’s so strategic.”

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen strongly rebuked the remarks, saying, “We have been the USA’s close and loyal friend for generations,” but added that Trump’s rhetoric was “completely unacceptable.”

He said, “When the US president says that ‘we need Greenland’ and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it is not just wrong. It’s disrespectful.”