After daring to defy President Donald Trump, Colombia just learned the hard way what happens when you challenge American power. Just days after Trump threatened to hit the South American country with crushing tariffs and financial sanctions, Colombian President Gustavo Petro waved the white flag, agreeing to take back deported illegal migrants without conditions.
Mass Deportation Now Underway
Two Colombian Air Force planes touched down in Bogotá on Tuesday, carrying over 200 deported nationals from the United States. The flights came after Petro initially refused to accept deportation flights from the U.S., throwing a tantrum about the “dignity” of illegal migrants. That defiance lasted all of about 48 hours before Trump made it crystal clear: defy the United States, and you will pay.
Over the weekend, Trump responded with swift economic retaliation, announcing 25% tariffs on Colombian goods, a travel ban on government officials, and the promise of even steeper penalties if Petro didn’t comply. Within days, the self-proclaimed Marxist leader cracked, accepting all deportations—including those on military aircraft—without restriction. The White House confirmed that Petro had caved “to all of President Trump’s terms.”
Trump’s America First Strategy Pays Off
While Petro tried to save face by calling the deported migrants “dignified” and “loved,” the reality is clear: Trump just delivered a masterclass in America First diplomacy.
Trump officials hailed the agreement as a warning shot to other nations that dare to stand in the way of his immigration crackdown. If Colombia—a nation that has received over $13 billion in U.S. aid—can’t even put up a fight, what chance does anyone else have?
And Trump made sure the world knew it. After securing the deal, the president posted a viral AI-generated image of himself dressed as a mob boss, standing next to a sign reading “FAFO” (F* Around and Find Out).** The message was unmistakable—this is a new era of leadership, and America no longer plays nice with those who defy its interests.
Colombia’s Pathetic Rebellion
Petro initially tried to retaliate with his own 25% tariffs on U.S. goods, but the reality was clear—Colombia couldn’t afford a trade war with the world’s most powerful economy. Even Petro’s own government turned against him, forcing him to fold under the pressure. Meanwhile, dozens of Colombians saw their U.S. visa appointments canceled as Trump tightened the screws even further.
Despite the desperate attempts to spin this as a mutual victory, everyone knows what really happened. Colombia got steamrolled, and Trump reminded the world that American strength is back on the table.
What’s Next?
With Trump back in the White House, expect more of the same. Nations that refuse to cooperate with U.S. immigration policy will face consequences. The days of America being pushed around by weak leaders are over.
Colombia was just the first lesson. Who’s next?