Trump's newest ally gets a $1B welcome from Washington

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA: Colombia's new President Abelardo de la Espriella secured an immediate show of support from the United States after taking office Friday, August 7, with the Trump administration announcing plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance as the two countries move to rebuild ties following years of tensions under former President Gustavo Petro.

The pledge comes hours after de la Espriella took office, having campaigned on closer ties with Washington, tougher action against armed groups and a more aggressive counternarcotics strategy.

New alliance takes shape quickly

In a statement released after de la Espriella's inauguration, the United States said it intended to work with Congress on a $1 billion security package to help the new administration pursue shared priorities.

"As a cornerstone of this renewed partnership, the United States... intends to announce $1 billion in assistance as part of a security package," the statement said.

The security package was announced hours after de la Espriella took office. During the campaign, he received President Donald Trump's endorsement despite never having held elected office.

Security agenda replaces peace talks

In his inaugural address, de la Espriella pledged to "relentlessly defeat narco-te*****sm" and declared that negotiations with armed groups had run their course.

"The option of dialogue is completely exhausted," he said, signaling a break from Petro's efforts to negotiate with guerrilla organizations.

The new president has also proposed bombing coc***e laboratories hidden in the jungle, expanding prison capacity and allowing closer military cooperation with the United States. He has even said he would welcome US troops on Colombian soil as part of joint security efforts.

US backs tougher security approach

The change in tone follows four years of strained relations between Washington and Petro, Colombia's first left-wing president.

US officials said the proposed package would support counternarcotics operations and broader security cooperation. Those priorities closely match de la Espriella's campaign pledge to intensify military action against armed groups.

The announcement comes after a sharp shift in Colombia's political direction. Petro had pursued peace talks with armed groups and promoted a different approach to drug policy, while de la Espriella had promised stronger military action and closer coordination with Washington.