The US president has intervened in Colombia’s election campaign, publicly endorsing the nationally oriented Abelardo de la Espriella while branding his leftist rival a “radical Marxist” – a move that risks inflaming tensions ahead of a knife-edge run-off.
“Complete and unconditional support”: Trump backs loyalist
Donald Trump has offered his full support to Abelardo de la Espriella, a lawyer and outspoken ally of the former US president, following the first round of Colombia’s presidential election. Trump confirmed he would back Espriella’s candidacy in the forthcoming run-off.
Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump said: “Congratulations to Colombia’s presidential candidate, Abelardo de la Espriella, an intelligent, strong and determined leader, on a resounding victory in the first round of Colombia’s presidential election!…Given his tremendous life achievements and his political endorsement of me personally, I consider it a great honour to offer Abelardo my complete and unconditional support.”
Preliminary results gave Espriella around 44% of the vote in the first round, with his rival on 41%. The run-off is scheduled for June 21. Espriella, a businessman who registered under the banner of his own movement, “Defenders of the Homeland”, has vowed to take a tough stance on crime.
“Radical left-wing Marxist”: Trump attacks rival Cepeda
True to form, the former US leader went on to describe Espriella’s opponent, Iván Cepeda – a senator and ally of Colombia’s incumbent president – as a “radical left-wing Marxist.” Trump underscored the high stakes of the run-off, both for Colombia’s future and its relations with the United States.
Cepeda, a philosopher and human rights activist, is a member of the left-wing coalition known as the “Historic Pact.” He has pledged to continue President Gustavo Petro’s “Total Peace” plan, aimed at striking peace deals with various rebel groups operating inside Colombia. Espriella, by contrast, presents himself as a law-and-order candidate and a self-declared supporter of Trump.
