United States recalled its highest-ranking diplomat in Colombia as tensions between the two nations increase, with Bogota following suit on Thursday. US State Department said on Thursday it recalled Charge d’Affaires ad interim John McNamara “for urgent consultations” in response to what it termed “baseless and reprehensible statements” issued by high-ranking Colombian government officials.
Though the State Department would not say what comments had led to the move, spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Washington also had “other measures” in mind to convey its unhappiness with the existing level of bilateral relations.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded by saying he would be bringing back Ambassador Daniel Garcia-Peña for consultations over the two countries diplomatic agenda. Petro noted that there was a need to revisit shared priorities such as climate change, counter-narcotics cooperation, and migration policy.
The diplomatic fallout comes on the heels of a series of recent flashpoints between Colombia and the Trump administration. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, last month attributed Colombian leadership with blame for the attempted assassination of opposition Senator Miguel Uribe, labeling it the result of “violent leftist rhetoric.”
Uribe is in critical condition after undergoing a number of surgeries.
Tensions also erupted earlier in the year when Colombia rejected US military aircraft carrying deported migrants. President Trump retaliated by issuing a threat to impose tariffs and sanctions. The confrontation was ultimately resolved, but the incident further strained ties.
Petro had also forcefully protested against the deportation flights, saying he would never carry out such operations, but highlighting a stark contrast with those of the Nazis on social media.
In spite of increasing tensions, Colombia is a key US ally in the region. Colombia’s top trade partner is the US, with trade valued at $33.8 billion in 2023, helped by a 2006 free trade agreement.
Outgoing Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia confirmed that she remains in touch with Washington until a successor is appointed.