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By Amira El-Fekki
Middle East News Reporter
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro has warned U.S. President Donald Trump against treating Latin America primarily as a source of oil, arguing such an approach would incite conflict and a third world war.
"Using Latin America solely for oil would only lead to the destruction of international law and therefore to barbarism and a third world war," Petro posted to his X account.
Two presidents spoke by phone and Trump said Wednesday that he had invited Petro to meet with him soon at the White House.
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Why It Matters
Petro's remarks come amid escalating tensions after Trump’s recent military operation in Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro’s capture framed by the administration as part of a narco‑terrorism crackdown, but the effort is also driven by a bid for access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves.
Trump has publicly threatened military action against Bogota and warned Petro he could "be next," after the latter criticized action against Venezuela, including strikes on suspected drug‑trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have killed more than 110 people.
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What To Know
Petro said he disagreed with Trump’s approach to U.S.-Latin America relations and proposed that the region’s vast clean energy potential could fully meet U.S. energy needs, offering the biggest step toward fighting the climate crisis and protecting life. Trump confirmed a phone call took place between the two on Wednesday, adding arrangements were being made for a meeting and signaling a change of tone from previous threats.
Thousands of Colombians took to the streets on Wednesday to "defend national sovereignty" against Trump’s military warnings, chanting "Long live free and sovereign Colombia!," responding to a protest organized by Petro, The Associated Press reported.
With the White House accusing him of heading a drug cartel—a charge he denies—Petro and Trump have clashed over drug exports to the U.S. and America’s military presence in the region, with Petro even instructing Colombia’s security forces to halt intelligence sharing with Washington until military operations there were scaled back.
Colombia remains a major producer of cocaine, with networks moving the drug domestically and internationally and has been a major U.S. ally in combating drug trafficking and countering rebel armed groups.
What People Are Saying
Colombian President Gustavo Petro wrote Thursday in Spanish on X: "Using Latin America solely for its oil would instead destroy international law, lead to barbarism, and risk triggering a third world war. It would put global peace in real danger and push us toward irreversible climate collapse and the extinction of life."
He added: "Latin America’s clean energy potential could be realized with an investment of $500 billion—a sum that the U.S. currently has at its disposal."
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Wednesday: "I appreciated his call and tone, and look forward to meeting him in the near future."
What Happens Next
The U.S. could soon announce a date for a Washington meeting between Trump and Petro, which may be a major indicator of whether de-escalation in the region is possible.
Update, 01/08/26, 05:16 a.m. ET: This article was updated with more information.
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