Colombia was thrown into chaos yesterday as thousands of protesters took to the streets, demonstrating against what many see as an ill-timed meeting between US President Donald Trump and incumbent Colombian presidential candidate Gustavo Petro.
The planned encounter has sparked outrage among Colombians who are deeply suspicious of Trump's intentions, particularly given his history of making provocative statements about the country. Critics argue that Petro's decision to meet with the divisive former president demonstrates a lack of vision for Colombia's future.
Many protesters held signs that read "No to Neo-Colonialism" and "Petro vs. the Empire", emphasizing their concerns over potential external interference in domestic affairs. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but police presence was heavy, with officers deployed throughout the city center.
Colombia has a long history of struggling with US influence, particularly during the country's turbulent past as a hub for counter-narcotics operations under the Obama administration. Trump's visit has reignited these concerns, with many fearing that Petro may be swayed by promises from Washington in order to advance his own agenda.
As tensions continue to simmer, Petro's team has sought to downplay the controversy, claiming that the meeting will focus on trade and security issues rather than foreign policy. However, the damage is already being done, as the Petro campaign struggles to regain momentum ahead of the presidential election.
The planned encounter has sparked outrage among Colombians who are deeply suspicious of Trump's intentions, particularly given his history of making provocative statements about the country. Critics argue that Petro's decision to meet with the divisive former president demonstrates a lack of vision for Colombia's future.
Many protesters held signs that read "No to Neo-Colonialism" and "Petro vs. the Empire", emphasizing their concerns over potential external interference in domestic affairs. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but police presence was heavy, with officers deployed throughout the city center.
Colombia has a long history of struggling with US influence, particularly during the country's turbulent past as a hub for counter-narcotics operations under the Obama administration. Trump's visit has reignited these concerns, with many fearing that Petro may be swayed by promises from Washington in order to advance his own agenda.
As tensions continue to simmer, Petro's team has sought to downplay the controversy, claiming that the meeting will focus on trade and security issues rather than foreign policy. However, the damage is already being done, as the Petro campaign struggles to regain momentum ahead of the presidential election.
The whole thing just feels like a power play by Trump to get under Petro's skin... like he's trying to create some kind of leverage over him before the election. And honestly, it's hard not to wonder if this is all just part of some bigger game plan 
. Colombia has been through so much with US influence in the past and I feel like they're still finding their footing post-conflict, you know? They need a president who can lead from the inside out, not one who's gonna be swayed by promises from Washington 
. Petro needs to get his campaign back on track ASAP or risk getting steamrolled by Trump's ego 
I'm low-key freaked out about this whole situation in Colombia 
Trump's visit has brought up so many painful memories for Colombians, especially with his history of speaking out of turn 
. Gustavo Petro needs to think twice before aligning himself with a guy who's made it clear he doesn't care about their country 
. The 'No to Neo-Colonialism' chants are fire 
, and I'm not surprised the protesters were passionate – they have every right to be! 
As for Petro's team trying to downplay it, let's be real, folks are gonna see through that 
. This meeting is a total PR nightmare 
, and it's only going to hurt his campaign in the long run 
.
It's like, they have their own problems to deal with and then Trump just shows up and tries to swoop in and be all buddy-buddy with them 
.
) but sometimes you gotta think about what's really important 
.
Colombia's protests yesterday were a total mess 
I get that Colombians are wary of US influence, but can't Petro just communicate better? 
Like, if he wanted to address concerns, maybe use social media or press conferences instead of a public meet-and-greet 
And honestly, who tries to downplay controversy with a vague statement about focusing on domestic issues? 
It's like, what's next? Meeting with Putin and calling it a "strategic partnership" just because they both love bad haircuts? 
I mean, come on, Petro, we're trying to move forward here! This meeting is just going to give the impression that you're beholden to the Empire. And let's be real, Colombia has a history of being treated like some kind of backwater by the US. It's like, can't they just leave us alone? 
. And what about the "trade and security issues" that Petro's team is trying to spin this as? Sounds like some pretty convenient doublespeak to me 
. btw, i think its awesome that most protests r stayin peaceful tho 
Colombia's got a lot of history with US influence and it's still gonna be a big deal when trump comes in 
I mean, what's surprising here? Colombia knows Trump's track record 
️? And honestly, who wouldn't be suspicious when a candidate with Trump's history of, you know, "diplomacy" meets with a world leader? 
. Wouldn't that be great for Colombia's image? 
... probably with more protests 
it's like, can't they see that Petro is trying to do something different for Colombia? maybe he just wants to make some trade deals or focus on security issues, idk... all I know is that this whole thing just feels like a mess 
But now it feels like all that's gotten lost in the noise of controversy and protests. 
And let's be real, Trump isn't exactly the most trustworthy guy in the world... 
... like, isnt that just a fancy way of saying "dont let the US boss you around"? 
they're worried he'll be swayed by us promises like they did back under obama 
i think petro's team is trying to downplay it but it's hard to ignore the massive protests 
and honestly, who can blame them? colombia has a lot of trust issues with us influence