Staff ReportsThe recent showdown between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Colombian President Gustavo Petro showcases just how serious the Trump administration is about putting America first—again. Rubio made no bones about it. Under Trump, the United States isn’t about to be a doormat for any country that thinks it can take advantage of American generosity. If Petro thought he could backtrack on deported migrants and get away with it, he was in for a rude awakening.
Rubio’s social media post didn’t mince words about the responsibilities of sovereign nations. He pointed out that every country should handle their own wayward citizens who cross borders illegally, especially those living in the U.S. without permission. Contextually, it was clear that Petro had very publicly authorized flights for the deportation of 160 migrants who had overstayed their welcome in the U.S. However, once the planes were in the air, Petro suddenly developed cold feet and decided to cancel. Classic diplomatic gamesmanship? Or just a sign of weakness? Either way, Marco wasn’t having it.
President Trump has made it clear that under his administration, America will no longer be lied to nor taken advantage of. It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner.…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) January 26, 2025
Enter Trump, with a fierce no-nonsense approach that would make any traditional leader quiver. He threatened hefty tariffs—25 percent on all Colombian goods, which could rise to an astronomical 50 percent in just one week—if Petro didn’t play ball. Coupled with a travel ban on Colombian officials and immediate visa revocations for their government supporters, Trump made sure Petro understood that America’s patience had its limits. Would Colombia like a side of economic backlash with its diplomatic skirmish? Absolutely!
As if that wasn’t enough, Trump also put the spotlight on robust inspections of Colombian nationals and cargo coming into the U.S. Let’s call it an executive wake-up call for any country trying to evade its legal obligations. Trump’s strategy was clear—it wasn’t merely about deporting criminals; it was about restoring order and proper conduct in international relations.
Naturally, Petro took to the platform to voice his indignation, lamenting that U.S. treatment of Colombian migrants was akin to criminalization. Perhaps someone should remind him that those “migrants” made the choice to enter the U.S. unlawfully. He claimed to deny American planes access to Colombian airspace for these deportation flights, which sounds like a toddler hiding behind mom’s leg. Instead of taking responsibility, Petro was pushing blame, demanding that the U.S. devise a new “protocol” for treating migrants with dignity.
Instead of a tone of cooperation, what the world witnessed was a classic case of a leader both frightened and frustrated in the face of a decisive American administration. Through strong actions and unwavering words, Trump signaled that he was ready to bring the hammer down if countries like Colombia couldn’t respect their own citizens. The message from Trump was crystal clear: America will not only stop being taken advantage of, but it will also take steps to make sure others understand the same!
