Colombia’s Foreign Ministry confirmed late Monday that Ambassador Daniel García-Peña was recalled “for consultations” following U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on tariffs and aid cuts. The ministry said in a statement that García-Peña “is currently in Bogotá” and that the government “will announce its next steps in the coming hours.”

The diplomatic rift marks one of the lowest points in Colombia–U.S. relations in recent years, as Trump’s comments triggered a strong backlash from the administration of President Gustavo Petro.

Trump’s Harsh Words Ignite Controversy

Speaking on Sunday, Trump accused Colombia’s leftist president of being a “narco leader”, alleging his government was complicit in drug trafficking. He warned that Washington would suspend all payments to Colombia and that details of new trade tariffs would be announced on Monday.

However, Trump did not specify which financial programs or aid packages would be affected. The remarks were swiftly condemned by Bogotá, which described the statements as “offensive and unfounded.”

Tensions Over U.S. Military Operations

The latest dispute comes amid growing criticism of U.S. military strikes in the Caribbean, which targeted ships allegedly involved in drug smuggling. Colombian officials say the attacks have caused multiple civilian deaths and heightened instability in the region.

President Petro has publicly protested the U.S. operations, calling them a violation of international law. Human rights organizations and legal experts have also condemned the raids, urging restraint and accountability from both governments.

A Test for Bilateral Relations

The diplomatic fallout underscores a sharp deterioration in relations between Washington and Bogotá, traditionally close allies in regional security and counter-narcotics cooperation. Petro’s leftist administration has sought to redefine that relationship by prioritizing sovereignty, social reform, and regional autonomy.

As both governments weigh their next moves, observers warn that escalating rhetoric could jeopardize joint efforts against organized crime and destabilize cooperation in areas such as trade, migration, and environmental policy.