In early January 2026, President Donald Trump spoke with Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro about the state of their countries’ ties amid Venezuelan turmoil and regional protests. Officials said a White House meeting between Trump and Petro would be arranged soon, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio mediating the arrangements and Petro’s aides participating in the call. The meeting is described as taking place at the White House in Washington, D.C., in the near future.
The discussions are expected to cover U.S. policy toward Venezuela, energy and oil interests, and regional security cooperation, reflecting concerns about sanctions, economic pressures, and security threats in the region. The move signals a shift from public rhetoric to direct diplomacy, even as the United States maintains a hard line on Venezuela and signals that all options remain on the table for related regional issues.
Colombia has faced protests in response to policies linked to U.S. policy towards Venezuela and regional security decisions. Observers say the prospective meeting could help stabilize ties and lay the groundwork for a formal framework on sanctions, energy cooperation, and security between the two governments.
Media coverage has tracked the development, with outlets noting Rubio’s mediation role and the diplomatic signals coming from the White House. The Guardian, NDTV, LiveMint, and KSAT have reported on the call and the anticipated meeting, highlighting regional tensions and the broader debate over U.S. policy in Latin America.