President Trump is threatening to cut off foreign aid to Colombia and raise tariffs on Colombian goods after Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemned the U.S. for blowing up boats in the Caribbean, many off the coast of Venezuela. In recent weeks, the U.S. has blown up at least seven boats, alleging without proof they were being used for drug trafficking. Petro accused the U.S. of killing innocent Colombians. Trump responded by calling Petro an “illegal drug leader.” Petro then responded by writing, “Trying to promote peace in Colombia is not being a drug trafficker.” Meanwhile, the U.S. has repatriated two individuals from Ecuador and Colombia who survived a deadly U.S. strike on a vessel last week.
This all comes as President Trump is threatening to begin launching attacks inside Venezuela despite reports that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has offered to give the U.S. a stake in his country’s oil wealth and other natural resources. Trump was asked about this on Friday at the White House and responded by using an expletive to warn Venezuela.
Reporter: “… offering mediation.”
President Donald Trump: “He’s” —
Reporter: “What could he do in order to stop that?”
President Donald Trump: “He has — he has offered everything. He’s offered everything. You’re right. You know why? Because he doesn’t want to [bleep] around with the United States.”