President Donald Trump announced he will cut U.S. aid to Colombia and impose tariffs because he claims President Gustavo Petro is not stopping drug production.

Trump called Petro “an illegal drug leader” and threatened unilateral action if Colombia does not act against narcotics.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed a recent U.S. strike on a boat allegedly linked to the Colombian rebel group ELN.

Petro denied the accusations, defended his anti-drug efforts, and condemned U.S. strikes that killed civilians, calling them attacks on Colombia’s sovereignty.

The Colombian Foreign Ministry labeled Trump’s statements a direct threat, and Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez highlighted Colombia’s ongoing fight against drug trafficking.

The U.S. has increased military operations in the region, including naval and aerial actions against drug cartels and Venezuela, NPR has reported.

Colombia has historically been a key U.S. ally and top recipient of aid, but coca cultivation recently reached record levels.

Tensions between Petro and Trump have escalated over visa revocations, tariffs, and U.S. military actions in Colombian waters.