Colombian president says he will 'take up arms' after Trump remarks

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he would 'take up arms' if the U.S. attacks, after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized him; Colombian ministers say they will continue coordinating with the United States on anti‑drug operations.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he would "take up arms" against the United States if it attacks Colombia, commenting after reports that a military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. His remarks followed public comments by U.S. President Donald Trump that criticized Petro and suggested possible action. Colombian ministers said the government will continue to coordinate with the United States on anti‑drug efforts even as tensions between the two leaders have risen. Key points: - Petro posted on X that he swore not to take up a weapon after the 1989 peace pact but said he would do so to defend the homeland if the U.S. attacks, and he denied accusations linking him to drug trafficking. - Trump publicly criticized Petro, called him a "sick man" who traffics cocaine, and when asked about an operation against Colombia said, "It sounds good to me." - Interior Minister Armando Benedetti and Justice Minister Andrés Idárraga stated the Colombian government will keep coordinating with U.S. intelligence and technology to target drug labs, criminal organizations and camps. - The U.S. added Colombia to a non‑cooperation list in September 2025, canceled Petro's visa that month, and imposed sanctions in October 2025 on Petro, his family and a government member over alleged ties to the global drug trade. Summary: The exchange has heightened diplomatic tensions between Colombia and the United States while officials report that operational cooperation on anti‑drug efforts will continue. Undetermined at this time regarding any specific new U.S. action against Colombia beyond previously announced visa cancellations and sanctions.