Trump threatens Colombia's Petro: 'He's going to be next'

US President Donald Trump has issued a direct threat to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, warning that he could be the next target of US pressure in Latin America. On Wednesday, Trump stated that Petro, whom he has repeatedly labeled an "illegal drug dealer," should expect "big problems" unless he changes course, explicitly stating, "He's going to be next."

Linking the threat to drug trafficking allegations

Trump justified his warning by accusing Colombia of producing and exporting cocaine to the United States. "He's been fairly hostile to the United States... Colombia is producing a lot of drugs. They have cocaine factories... So he better wise up, or he'll be next. He'll be next soon," Trump declared. The comments represent the most explicit call from the US president for action against Petro, a leftist leader who has been critical of US policy in the region.

Petro's rebuttal: oil, not drugs, is the real motive

President Petro has consistently rejected allegations that his government is complicit in drug trafficking, arguing that Colombia has suffered immensely in the US-led drug war. He contends that Washington's true motivation is control over regional oil reserves, not combating narcotics. "Oil is at the heart of the matter," Petro stated last week, adding that Trump is "not thinking about the democratization of Venezuela, let alone the narco-trafficking."

Context of escalating US military operations

The threat against Petro occurs alongside a significant US military buildup in Latin America, involving warships, fighter jets, and drones ostensibly targeting "narco-terrorist" organizations. The US has conducted at least 22 strikes on suspected drug vessels since September, killing 87 people, and recently confirmed the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. These actions, opposed by Petro and questioned by US lawmakers from both parties, have sharply escalated tensions across the region.