The Trump administration committed $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia on August 8, 2026, the day Abelardo De La Espriella was sworn in as the country's president and pledged what he called "All-out war on narco-terrorism."
The US State Department made the announcement, according to The Guardian. De La Espriella, 48, is a right-wing politician described by The Guardian as a Trump ally who won a presidential runoff in June 2026.
In his inaugural address, De La Espriella promised a vigorous campaign against drug trafficking and armed groups. BBC News reported that he framed his anti-drug policy in stark terms, vowing an "All-out war on narco-terrorism." He also announced austerity measures aimed at restoring economic confidence and described his presidency as the start of a "profound transformation" of Colombia's destiny.
During his campaign, De La Espriella had pledged to shrink the Colombian state by as much as 40% and to revive the country's oil and gas sector, The Guardian reported.