President Trump has made it clear: The United States will no longer send money to Colombia while that country allows its drug trade to grow out of control. On Sunday, the President called out Colombian President Gustavo Petro by name, labeling him “an illegal drug leader.” Trump said Petro is not trying to stop the cocaine problem—he’s making it worse.
For too long, the United States has sent money to Colombia, hoping to help them fight drugs. But instead of progress, we’ve seen failure. Cocaine production in Colombia has reached dangerous highs, and it’s hurting American families. President Trump rightly said that these U.S. payments are “nothing more than a long-term rip-off of America.” That’s not just tough talk. That’s the sound of a leader who puts America first.
The President didn’t stop at calling out the problem. He took action. Starting immediately, all payments and subsidies to Colombia have been shut off. No more U.S. taxpayer dollars will go to a country that refuses to deal with its drug crisis. This is what responsible leadership looks like—when foreign aid stops benefiting America, it stops flowing.
President Trump also warned Petro to shut down the drug fields—fast. If he doesn’t, Trump said the United States will shut them down for him, and “it won’t be done nicely.” That might sound harsh to some, but the drug crisis in America is harsh. Every day, Americans are dying because of drugs like cocaine, much of which comes from Colombia. A peaceful nation cannot let drug cartels run wild. And a strong president cannot sit back while our people suffer.
Let’s remember, the Constitution gives the federal government the duty to protect its citizens. That includes stopping illegal drugs from pouring over our borders. President Trump is using his authority to do just that. He’s shutting off foreign aid that doesn’t serve our national interest, and he’s putting pressure on foreign leaders who are fueling the drug problem. That’s not just good policy—it’s constitutional.
This is also a lesson in accountability. For years, Colombia has taken our money and promised to fight drugs. But where are the results? President Petro has failed to act. In fact, his own record shows the opposite—he’s allowed drug production to grow, not shrink. And when the Trump administration took steps to stop drug boats heading toward our shores, Petro didn’t thank us. He accused our leaders of crimes! That’s not how an ally behaves. That’s how a corrupt leader defends his own failures.
The Trump administration had already revoked Petro’s visa last month after his reckless behavior in New York. Now, with this move to cut off U.S. dollars, President Trump is drawing a clear line. America will no longer be taken advantage of by foreign leaders who refuse to help themselves.
It’s also worth noting that Trump’s critics have no real argument. What do they want—to keep sending money to a country that’s failing on purpose? That’s not charity. That’s foolishness. America is not the world’s ATM. We have the right, and the duty, to say: Enough is enough.
President Trump’s bold move sends a message to the world: If you want help from the United States, you must earn it. You must stand with us, not work against us. And if you’re part of the problem, not the solution, don’t expect a dime.
This is what leadership looks like. It’s guided by the Constitution, driven by common sense, and focused on protecting America first. President Trump is doing what others only talk about. He’s putting action behind his words—and putting America back in control.
