In a sharp escalation of diplomatic tensions, Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro on Thursday intensified his criticism of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific, while dismissing threats to cut millions in U.S. aid. Petro accused Trump of engaging in “extrajudicial executions” that violate international law, referring to the U.S. strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats. According to U.S. reports, these operations have destroyed nine vessels and claimed at least 37 lives, including a Colombian fisherman who Petro suggested may have turned to trafficking “intermittently” due to poverty. Trump retaliated by labeling Petro a “thug” and drug trafficker, announcing cuts to U.S. aid and threatening tariffs on Colombian goods. These measures, if implemented, could end decades of security cooperation aimed at curbing cocaine flow from Colombia, the world’s largest producer, to the U.S., its biggest consumer. Petro downplayed the impact of aid cuts, arguing that the funds primarily support U.S. NGOs and arms purchases. He also rejected Trump’s decision to blacklist Colombia as an “insult,” asserting that Colombia has been effective in combating cartels despite record cocaine production. Petro accused Trump of being misled by Colombia’s “far right” opponents, who he claimed aim to influence the 2026 presidential election and undermine Colombian progressivism. The rift has deepened with Colombia recalling its ambassador from Washington and calling for dialogue, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio branded Petro a “lunatic.”