Trump endorses Colombia presidential candidate De La Espriella

Trump endorsed right-wing Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, calling the June 21 runoff “crucial” for U.S.-Colombia ties, according to Reuters.yahoo
De La Espriella, a political outsider known as “El Tigre,” led Colombia’s May 31 first round with nearly 44% of votes, far exceeding his pre-election polling.americasquarterly
His opponent, leftist senator Iván Cepeda, finished with roughly 41%; the runoff outcome could reshape one of Washington’s top Latin American security partnerships.politico

Trump Endorses De La Espriella in Colombia Presidential Runoff

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing lawyer seeking Colombia’s presidency, inserting himself into a polarized Latin American contest ahead of a June 21 runoff election. Trump posted on Truth Social that the outcome of the vote “is crucial for the future of Colombia and its ties with the United States,” according to Reuters.yahoo

A Political Outsider Surges

De La Espriella, 47, a wealthy attorney known as “El Tigre,” emerged as a political force in Colombia’s May 31 first-round vote, garnering nearly 44% of ballots cast — far outpacing his polling numbers, which had placed him around 20% in the weeks before the election. His opponent, leftist senator Iván Cepeda of the ruling Pacto Histórico coalition, finished second with roughly 41%. Since neither candidate crossed the 50% threshold, they will face each other in the runoff scheduled for June 21.dw

The first-round result stunned observers and dealt a blow to Cepeda and outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who said Sunday evening he would not recognize the preliminary results until the official count was finalized. Mainstream conservative Paloma Valencia, who had been considered a leading contender, earned just 6.9% in what Americas Quarterly described as “a rebuke of Colombia’s traditional establishment”.americasquarterly

A Trumpian Playbook in Latin America

De La Espriella has modeled his campaign after Trump and El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, pledging an iron-fist approach to crime that includes constructing 10 mega-prisons across the country. He has also promised to shrink the state by 40% and promote conservative values in education. His platform mirrors priorities of the Trump administration, emphasizing crackdowns on gangs and narcotics trafficking.time

Trump’s endorsement could consolidate support for De La Espriella as he enters the runoff as the favorite. Analysts anticipated the endorsement after Colombian-American Senator Bernie Moreno reportedly briefed U.S. officials on the election results. Colombia is one of Washington’s top security partners in Latin America, and the runoff’s outcome could reshape the bilateral relationship.everycrsreport

What Comes Next

The June 21 vote presents Colombian voters with a stark choice: Cepeda’s vision of continued peace negotiations with armed groups, or De La Espriella’s military-focused security agenda. De La Espriella is expected to attract supporters of other conservative first-round candidates, giving him a structural advantage heading into the second round.pbs