In a significant move, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of 25% tariffs, visa restrictions, and other retaliatory measures against Colombia. This decision comes after the Colombian government rejected two flights carrying migrants who had been deported from the United States.
Trump’s Response to Colombia’s Rejection of Deportation Flights
Trump shared his decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, accusing Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro of jeopardizing U.S. national security and public safety. According to Trump, two repatriation flights with a large number of deported individuals, whom he described as “illegal criminals,” were denied entry into Colombia.
“I was just informed that two repatriation flights from the United States, with a large number of illegal criminals, were not allowed to land in Colombia. This order was given by Colombia’s Socialist President Gustavo Petro, who is already very unpopular amongst his people,” Trump wrote. He further stated that, in response, he had directed his administration to take immediate and decisive retaliatory actions.
Key Measures Announced by Trump
Among the key actions Trump outlined were:
Emergency Tariffs: A 25% tariff on all goods entering the United States from Colombia, set to increase to 50% within a week.
Visa Restrictions: A travel ban and immediate visa revocations for Colombian government officials, as well as sanctions on their allies and supporters.
Visa Sanctions: The imposition of visa sanctions on all members of the Colombian government, their families, and supporters.
Increased Inspections: Enhanced customs and border protection inspections for all Colombian nationals and cargo, citing national security concerns.
Sanctions on Financial Institutions: Full implementation of IEEPA Treasury, banking, and financial sanctions.
Trump emphasized that these measures were just the beginning and that the U.S. would not tolerate Colombia violating its legal obligations regarding the acceptance and return of deported criminals. “We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations,” Trump stated.
Colombia’s Retaliation
In response, Colombia has also announced retaliatory actions. Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordered a 25% increase in import tariffs on U.S. goods. In a post on the social media platform X, Petro confirmed the decision, directing Colombia’s foreign trade minister to implement the tariff hike.
The escalating tensions between the U.S. and Colombia have raised concerns about the potential economic and diplomatic repercussions for both countries.
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