A planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro is being previewed following a recent phone call between the two leaders, with the incoming U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Colombia, john McNamara, describing Trump as “valuing” the conversation. The discussion signals a potential shift in relations between the two countries, which have experienced tensions amid differing approaches to issues like drug policy and regional security. McNamara’s assessment, shared in a January 14th interview with 6AM W, underscores the biden administration’s interest in stabilizing relations with a key South American ally.
The incoming U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Colombia, John McNamara, discussed the relationship between the two countries and an upcoming meeting between President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro in an interview with 6AM W on January 14, 2026. McNamara revealed that Trump “valued” the phone call and the tone of the conversation with his Colombian counterpart, signaling a potential thaw in relations that have seen recent tensions.
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Could the Petro-Trump Call Reset Relations?
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McNamara emphasized the importance of the call, suggesting it opens possibilities for collaboration between the two nations. “The relationship between the U.S. and Colombia is enduring and strong. We remain committed to collaborations in our common interest, now and always,” he stated.
The call, he explained, was intended to get the relationship between the two countries back on track. “For any problem, there is a solution. I am convinced of that,” McNamara said. He also reiterated the U.S. commitment to regional security and collaboration with partners to address threats like transnational organized crime. The conversation between the two leaders comes as both nations navigate complex geopolitical challenges and seek to address shared concerns.
“This could be a great opportunity for our presidents to speak privately about what isn’t working in the relationship and what we should focus on,” McNamara added. He also noted he is in constant communication with President Petro, Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio, and other Colombian government officials.
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“The invasion of cocaine and other drugs that are poison for our people is a real threat,” McNamara said, referencing President Trump’s focus on combating the flow of narcotics. “President Trump is taking steps to reduce and eliminate that threat, as any government has a responsibility to do.”
Does ‘Total Peace’ Hinder the Fight Against Drug Trafficking?
McNamara indicated that assessing the impact of Colombia’s “Total Peace” initiative on the fight against drug trafficking is a matter for the Colombian people and their government to determine. However, he acknowledged that the struggle against narcotics “has not been easy” and stressed that this shouldn’t be a reason to give up.
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McNamara clarified that the agenda for the meeting is still being developed, but he mentioned that the shared struggle against the “threat” of drug trafficking will be part of the conversation.
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Donald Trump “valoró” la llamada y el tono de la conversación con Gustavo Petro: John McNamara
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John McNamara. Foto: Cortesía: Cámara Colombo Americana – AmCham 70 años
