Trump Congratulates Him: The Tiger Wins Colombia’s Presidency

Prominent U.S.-backed lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella narrowly won the second round of Colombia’s presidential election.

De la Espriella’s victory marks a sharp shift to the right in the country, as he has pledged to wage an aggressive campaign against drug traffickers.

After more than 99 percent of the ballots had been counted, De la Espriella secured 49.65 percent of the vote, ahead of his rival, left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, who received 48.70 percent, according to official results.

As the results gradually emerged, supporters of De la Espriella, who belongs to the far-right political spectrum, took to the streets of Bogotá to celebrate.

De la Espriella announced that Trump had congratulated him on his victory. In a social media post, he wrote:

“I spoke a few minutes ago with the President of the United States, President Donald Trump, who expressed his support and recognition of our victory.”

The election of the 47-year-old lawyer is expected to improve Colombia’s strained relations with the United States, which has provided the South American nation with billions of dollars in military assistance. It may also test the country’s fragile peace process.

During the election campaign, De la Espriella received what was described as Trump’s “full and comprehensive endorsement.” His victory reflects a broader wave of right-wing candidates who have come to power across Latin America.

During the campaign, De la Espriella, who also holds U.S. citizenship and refers to himself as “The Tiger,” told Agence France-Presse that, if elected, he would immediately end peace talks with rebel groups and launch a ninety-day airstrike campaign against them with support from the United States.