Fact Check: Did Trump say 'we appreciate' that Colombia sells c*****e to the US?

WASHINGTON, DC: A short video that went viral on social media in December 2025 claimed President Donald Trump said, "we appreciate" that Colombia sells c*****e to the United States.

The clip quickly circulated online, prompting debate over whether the remark reflected genuine gratitude or was taken out of context.

Claim: Donald Trump said 'we appreciate' that Colombia sells c*e to the US

The claim gained traction after California Governor Gavin Newsom's official account @GovPressOffice on X shared a video showing President Donald Trump making the statement. 

The post read, “After pardoning and releasing multiple drug traffickers from federal prison, Trump thanks Colombia for manufacturing c*****e and sending it to the United States. He is very sick!”

The caption framed the clip as evidence of Trump expressing gratitude for the d**g trade.

Fact Check: Donald Trump did say 'we appreciate' that Colombia sells c*****e to the US

The statement quoted in the viral video is accurately attributed to President Donald Trump. However, the clip shared by Governor Gavin Newsom’s account was cropped, omitting crucial context.

The video made it appear as though Trump ended his remarks after the controversial phrase, while he actually added, "anybody that is doing that and selling that into our country is subject to attack."

Thus, the core quotation is correct, but the widely circulated clip lacked the warning that followed, making it appear as a statement of appreciation rather than a threat.

Full conversation shows missing context

During the White House's last Cabinet meeting of the year on December 2, a reporter asked President Trump to elaborate on potential military actions. Trump explained that such actions would target dg operations, including "mills for whether it's fel or c**e," in any country involved. 

Trump specifically mentioned Colombia, saying, "I hear Colombia, the country of Colombia is making ce. They have ce manufacturing plants, OK? And then they sell us their c*****e."

He followed with the controversial remark, "We appreciate that very much." Immediately after,

Trump issued a direct warning, "But yeah, anybody that's doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack."

He clarified that potential strikes were not limited to Venezuela, emphasizing that any country involved in such activities could be targeted.