Washington’s reaction came quickly after the preliminary results of Colombia’s presidential runoff became known.
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly celebrated the victory of far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his willingness to work with the future government on security, migration, and trade.
According to the preliminary count released by Colombian electoral authorities, De la Espriella managed to defeat left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda by a narrow margin, consolidating a victory that quickly received support from the White House.
Through his social media platform Truth Social , Trump shared a post related to the preliminary results and accompanied the message with a brief but forceful phrase:
“He won, BIG!”
The post referred to data showing De la Espriella ahead of Iván Cepeda in the vote count.
Shortly before the U.S. president’s reaction, the Colombian politician himself said he had held a phone call with Trump.
“I spoke a few minutes ago with the president of the United States, President Donald Trump, and he expressed his support and recognition of our victory,” De la Espriella said during a livestream by his team.
During the campaign, Trump had openly expressed his support for the Colombian candidate and described him as an “intelligent, strong, and determined” leader.
According to the U.S. president, De la Espriella represents an alternative to what he considers the “radical left,” a position he linked to Iván Cepeda’s candidacy and the continuation of policies promoted by outgoing President Gustavo Petro.
Washington’s support was also reflected in statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Through his X account, Rubio said he spoke by phone with De la Espriella to congratulate him on the results obtained in the election.
“The Trump Administration looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration to promote cooperation on regional security, end illegal immigration to the United States, and strengthen our economic ties,” Rubio said.
The head of U.S. diplomacy also said he trusts that a strengthened bilateral relationship is ahead.
“Colombia’s best days are yet to come,” Rubio predicted.
The statements show what could become some of the priority issues on the agenda between both governments once the presidential transition is finalized.
During the electoral campaign, Abelardo de la Espriella defended close cooperation with the United States and described the North American country as a key ally in confronting several security challenges.
The politician said Washington is a “decisive” partner in fighting crime and narco-terrorism and in finally freeing Colombia from “so much pain and so much violence.”
He also promised that, under a potential government led by him, the trade relationship with the United States would play a priority role.
These positions align with several of the issues highlighted by Trump and Rubio after the preliminary results became known.
With 99.98% of polling stations reported in the preliminary count, Abelardo de la Espriella, of the Defenders of the Homeland movement, received 12.9 million votes, equivalent to 49.66%.
Iván Cepeda, for his part, received 12.7 million votes, corresponding to 48.70%.
The narrow difference reflects a highly competitive election that drew attention both inside and outside Colombia.
As the official post-election processes move forward, the first reactions from Washington reveal the Trump Administration’s interest in consolidating a close relationship with the incoming government and advancing issues related to security, immigration, and economic cooperation.
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SOURCE: EFE
