Colombian Far-Right Candidate, Endorsed by Trump, Vows to Strengthen US-Colombia Ties
Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, after receiving a public endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, vowed to forge closer ties with the United States if he wins the runoff election on the 21st. Espriella won the first round with over 43% of the vote and advocates for a tough crackdown on crime and drug terrorism.
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- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 12:31
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(Central News Agency, Bogota, 3rd, Combined Foreign Reports) After receiving a public endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, Colombian far-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella vowed to build closer ties with the United States if he wins the runoff election on the 21st.
According to combined reports from AFP and Reuters, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that the election result is "crucial for the future of Colombia and the US-Colombia relationship." He praised Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," for his "great achievements in life and his political support for me personally," offering him his "total and unequivocal support."
Espriella, 47, a millionaire lawyer, is running as a "political outsider fighting crime."
He stated that if he defeats left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda in the second round runoff, relations between Colombia and Washington will be "closer than ever."
Amid a surge in drug-related guerrilla violence in Colombia, Espriella won the first round with over 43% of the vote, a surprise victory over the previously favored Cepeda, who received nearly 41%.
Conservative candidate Paloma Valencia, currently in third place, has announced her support for Espriella.
Espriella advocates for a tough offensive against illegal armed groups and the construction of 10 mega-prisons, a plan reminiscent of the iron-fisted crime crackdown by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
In a video interview shared on social media, Espriella said, "The United States plays a key role in the fight against crime and drug terrorism, helping to free Colombia from its suffering and violence."
He also emphasized that he and Trump "share common values and principles in defending democracy, freedom, and the rule of law." (Editor: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150603
According to combined reports from AFP and Reuters, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that the election result is "crucial for the future of Colombia and the US-Colombia relationship." He praised Espriella, nicknamed "The Tiger," for his "great achievements in life and his political support for me personally," offering him his "total and unequivocal support."
Espriella, 47, a millionaire lawyer, is running as a "political outsider fighting crime."
He stated that if he defeats left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda in the second round runoff, relations between Colombia and Washington will be "closer than ever."
Amid a surge in drug-related guerrilla violence in Colombia, Espriella won the first round with over 43% of the vote, a surprise victory over the previously favored Cepeda, who received nearly 41%.
Conservative candidate Paloma Valencia, currently in third place, has announced her support for Espriella.
Espriella advocates for a tough offensive against illegal armed groups and the construction of 10 mega-prisons, a plan reminiscent of the iron-fisted crime crackdown by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele.
In a video interview shared on social media, Espriella said, "The United States plays a key role in the fight against crime and drug terrorism, helping to free Colombia from its suffering and violence."
He also emphasized that he and Trump "share common values and principles in defending democracy, freedom, and the rule of law." (Editor: Chang Ming-hsuan) 1150603