Trump to Meet Colombian President at White House

US President Donald Trump has said he will meet Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the White House in the “near future,” signalling a possible easing of tensions between the two leaders.

Trump made the remarks days after saying that a potential operation targeting Colombia “sounds good,” comments that had raised concerns across the region.

Talks Follow Venezuela Operation

The announcement comes shortly after US forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a raid in Caracas on Saturday night.

Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the death toll from the operation exceeded 100 people, far higher than initial reports. Local media earlier said at least 23 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban soldiers were killed during the raid.

Drug Trade Central to Dispute

Trump said he spoke with Petro by phone, during which the Colombian leader explained “the situation of drugs and other disagreements.” Trump said he appreciated Petro’s “tone” during the conversation.

Earlier this week, however, Trump publicly warned Petro to “watch his ass” and later described him as a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

Colombia remains a major hub in the global cocaine trade. It also holds significant oil reserves and produces gold, silver, emeralds, platinum and coal.

Petro Responds With Warning

In response to Trump’s remarks, Petro warned that Colombia would “take up arms” if the United States launched military action against his country.

“If you detain a president whom much of my people want and respect, you will unleash the people’s jaguar,” Petro wrote on X.

Despite the rhetoric, Trump later struck a conciliatory tone on Truth Social. He described the call as a “Great Honor” and said Marco Rubio would coordinate with Colombia’s foreign minister to arrange Petro’s visit to Washington.

Sanctions and Oil Tensions

The United States imposed sanctions on Petro in October, accusing his government of failing to curb drug trafficking. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said cocaine production in Colombia had reached its highest levels in decades.

Petro rejected the accusation, saying his administration had worked to slow coca crop expansion and that he had fought drug trafficking for decades.

Meanwhile, Washington has said it will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely as it prepares to ease restrictions on crude exports.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez condemned the US raid on Maduro as an unprecedented rupture in bilateral relations. However, she said Venezuela remained open to energy cooperation “where all parties benefit.”

Regional Stakes High

With Colombia and Venezuela both holding vast oil reserves and playing key roles in regional security, the planned White House meeting is expected to draw close international attention.

Analysts say the talks could shape future US policy on drugs, energy and military engagement in Latin America.