WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a dramatic escalation of diplomatic tensions, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he is levying heavy tariffs on Colombian products and blocking visas for certain government officials in response to President Gustavo Petro’s refusal to accept U.S. deportation flights.
Petro declared earlier that Colombia would not permit any more deportation flights from the United States to land until there is a clear guarantee of humane treatment for migrants. The move set off alarm bells in Washington, where Trump had just begun his second term with a pledge to remove large numbers of undocumented immigrants.
Trump reacted swiftly through his social media platform, revealing he had ordered a 25 percent tariff on Colombian imports, with the rate jumping to 50 percent after one week. “President Petro is deliberately endangering American security by refusing to allow these flights,” Trump said in his statement. “In light of this threat, I am using my emergency powers to impose immediate and forceful measures.”
Alongside the new duties, Trump is also imposing a travel ban on key Colombian officials, effectively stripping them of U.S. entry rights. The administration’s retaliation signals that further punitive actions could follow if Bogotá does not reverse course.
Just days into his new term, Trump’s move fits a pattern of tough tactics against countries he accuses of obstructing U.S. immigration enforcement. In his post, the president insisted that this is only the opening salvo in a broader crackdown. “We won’t allow any foreign government to shirk its obligations and undermine our efforts to protect our nation,” Trump declared.
Petro has yet to respond directly to the White House’s latest announcement, but Colombian officials have previously emphasized their stance on migrant welfare, suggesting a standoff that could further strain U.S.-Colombia relations. Both governments now face a diplomatic deadlock that may trigger wider economic fallout if neither side yields ground.
