BOGOTÁ, Colombia — The United States has pledged $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia as newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella begins his administration with promises of an aggressive military campaign against organised crime and closer ties with Washington.
The US State Department said the assistance is part of a broader security package designed to advance shared US-Colombian priorities, including combating organised crime, countering illegal immigration and strengthening border security.
De la Espriella, a political outsider and ally of US President Donald Trump, was sworn in on Friday in the western city of Cali rather than the capital, Bogotá. The choice of venue underscored his administration’s focus on confronting armed groups and criminal organisations.
Addressing troops at a nearby military base during his inauguration, the new president declared an “all-out war” on what he described as “narco-terrorism.” He vowed to dismantle armed groups, restore security and defend Colombia’s democracy “by reason or by force.”
“There will not be a single place in our territory where criminals can feel safe,” de la Espriella said.
Break with Petro’s “Total Peace” Strategy
The new administration is expected to mark a decisive departure from the security policy of left-wing predecessor Gustavo Petro, who pursued negotiations with armed groups under his controversial “total peace” strategy.
Critics of Petro’s approach have argued that several armed organisations expanded their territorial influence during his presidency, while fighting among rival groups contributed to displacement and insecurity in parts of the country.
De la Espriella has instead promised a military-led offensive against armed organisations and plans to build mega-prisons to house convicted criminals.
His government is also expected to deepen military and security cooperation with the United States and Israel, representing a significant shift in Colombia’s foreign and defence policy.
On his first day in office, de la Espriella announced that Colombia would join Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” security partnership. Washington welcomed the move and said it was ready to assist the new government in confronting drug-trafficking and criminal organisations.
Trump Seeks Greater Influence in South America
The strengthened US-Colombia relationship reflects Trump’s broader effort to expand Washington’s influence in South America through partnerships with governments that share his approach to security, migration and organised crime.
Trump endorsed de la Espriella during Colombia’s presidential campaign and predicted that relations between Washington and Bogotá would improve under his leadership.
The US delegation at Friday’s inauguration was led by then-acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has since been confirmed as US attorney general. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also among those attending the ceremony.
The Trump administration has also signalled that Colombia’s economic agenda could provide opportunities for greater trade and deeper economic cooperation between the two countries.
Who Is Abelardo de la Espriella?
De la Espriella entered the presidency without previous experience in elected office. He spent years working as a lawyer in Miami and became a US citizen in 2023.
Before entering politics, he represented clients linked to Colombian drug-trafficking and paramilitary networks, a part of his professional history that has attracted scrutiny as he now promises a sweeping campaign against criminal organisations.
Known for his theatrical political style, de la Espriella has frequently used military-style salutes and appeared in Colombia’s national football jersey during his campaign.
Supporters say his hard-line approach is necessary to restore security, while critics warn that his confrontational rhetoric could deepen political polarisation in the country.
His inauguration marks a major shift in Colombia’s political direction, moving the country away from Petro’s negotiation-focused security policy toward a more forceful military strategy and a closer strategic alignment with Washington and Israel.
