Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked international backlash over the weekend after suggesting in a Univision interview that he wanted to “get rid of” President Donald Trump, escalating a growing feud between Bogotá and Washington over Trump’s crackdown on narcotics trafficking, as reported by The New York Post.

Speaking with Univision’s Daniel Coronell, Petro responded to a question about his approach to negotiating with the United States by declaring, “Humanity has a first offramp, it is to choose to change Trump in various ways.”

He then added, “The easiest way may be through Trump himself. If not — get rid of Trump,” before snapping his fingers for emphasis.

Petro later denied that his “immediate goal” was to change Trump, but the comments drew condemnation in both countries.

The South American leader also defended his country’s sovereignty, referencing Trump’s remarks that Colombia was “out of control.”

Petro replied, “Of course, it is out of his control. In a democracy, a government is under the control of the people, not Trump. He is not a king in Colombia; we do not accept kings here, period.”

“In the 21st century, some believe they can become kings and viceroys, but in republics, it is not possible,” Petro continued. “Here, the heads of kings are cut off if they come with a king’s attitude.”

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The exchange follows a growing diplomatic standoff between the two countries that began after a U.S. military strike on September 15 targeted an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean. President Trump said the operation “killed confirmed narcoterrorists from Venezuela” in international waters.

Petro disputed that claim, asserting the vessel was Colombian and used for fishing, not narcotics trafficking.

“U.S. government officials have committed a murder and violated our sovereignty in territorial waters,” he wrote on X. “The Colombian boat was adrift and had its distress signal up due to an engine failure. We await explanations from the U.S. government.”

Funcionarios del gobierno de los EEUU han cometido un asesinato y violado nuestra soberanía en aguas territoriales

El pescador Alejandro Carranza no tenía vínculos con el narco y sus actividad diaria era pescar.

La lancha colombiana estaba la deriva y con la señal de avería…

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 19, 2025

According to a CNN report, another U.S. strike in the Caribbean killed several Colombian nationals, citing unnamed Pentagon sources.

Trump on Sunday fired back at Petro, calling him “a very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America” and “an illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs.”

He also announced cuts to U.S. foreign aid and threatened to raise tariffs on Colombia, which currently pays a 10% baseline rate.

U.S. records show that more than $207 million in aid has been sent to Colombia this year. Trump has authorized at least seven strikes against suspected drug boats in the region, operations that have drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Petro’s statements also drew concern from Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who sits on the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees.

“In an interview with [Univision Noticias], Colombia’s narcoterrorist-in-chief, Gustavo Petro, has just threatened to ‘overthrow’ President Trump,” Gimenez posted on X. “Petro threats must be taken seriously; he is a genuine threat to the safety & security of our hemisphere.”

#BREAKING In an interview with @UniNoticias, Colombia’s narcoterrorist-in-chief, Gustavo Petro, has just threatened to “overthrow” President Trump.

Petro threats must be taken seriously, he is a genuine threat to the safety & security of our hemisphere.pic.twitter.com/L2JMGKMUF0

— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) October 21, 2025

The White House has not yet commented on Petro’s remarks.

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