(MENAFN) Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded on Sunday to US President Donald Trump’s recent accusations, asserting that “the problem is with Trump, not the US,” while defending Colombia’s international record.

Writing on the social media platform X, Petro emphasized that despite his disputes with Trump, “I respect the history, culture, and people of the US.” He added, “They are not my enemies, and I don’t feel that they are. The problem is with Trump, not with the US.”

Addressing Trump’s claim that he is a “drug dealer,” Petro firmly rejected the characterization, stating: “Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the US; on the contrary, it has always admired its culture.” He continued, “I am neither a businessperson nor a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart. I have never been able to align with greed,” explaining that “A mafia member is someone who embodies greed, which is the defining feature of capitalism.”

Petro also challenged US assertions regarding a recent Caribbean operation, insisting that the boat targeted on suspicions of carrying drugs did not belong to the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group. “What will you say to that family? Please explain why you helped cause the death of a humble fisherman from Santa Marta,” he asked. “This is the land where Bolívar died -- a place known as the heart of the world.”

Trump had previously described Petro as an “illegal drug dealer” and announced that all US financial assistance to Colombia would be halted. He accused the Colombian president of fostering “large- and small-scale drug production” nationwide, claiming that drug trade had become “Colombia’s biggest business.” “Colombian President Gustavo Petro is an illegal drug dealer,” Trump stated, warning that the US would no longer provide payments or subsidies to the country.

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