US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced 25% retaliatory “emergency tariffs” on Colombian imports after Colombian President Gustavo Petro blocked US military flights carrying migrants back to Colombia.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticized Petro’s decision, calling him “unpopular,” and claimed the denial of the flights endangered US national security. He outlined several retaliatory measures, including:
- 25% tariffs on all imports from Colombia, set to increase to 50% in a week.
- A travel ban on Colombian citizens.
- Immediate visa revocations for Colombian officials, party members, and their supporters.
Trump stated:
“Petro’s denial of these flights has jeopardized the National Security and Public Safety of the United States, so I have directed my Administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures.”
Petro’s Response
Earlier, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced his decision to block two US military flights carrying migrants and demanded the US establish protocols for the dignified treatment of migrants. He stated:
“The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals. I deny the entry of American planes carrying Colombian migrants into our territory. The United States must establish a protocol for the dignified treatment of migrants before we receive them.”
Additional Sanctions
Trump also warned of further actions if Colombia does not comply with its “legal obligations” to accept deported migrants:
“These measures are just the beginning. We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!”
The measures have raised tensions between the US and Colombia, as both sides hold firm on their respective stances regarding migration and international cooperation.