Trump doubles down on support for Colombian presidential candidate de la Espriella

President Donald Trump on Wednesday congratulated Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who took the lead in the first round of the election and advanced to the runoff.

Abelardo de la Espriella earned almost 44% of the vote, compared to nearest challenger Ivan Capeda Castro, who took 41%. The pair will face off in runoff election. De la Espriella has positioned himself as a law and order candidate in the vein of El Salvador's Nayib Bukele.

"Congratulations to Colombian Presidential Candidate, 'El Tigre (THE TIGER),' Abelardo de la Espriella, a Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader, on his decisive Victory in the first round of the Colombian Presidential Election!" Trump posted on Truth Social. "Abelardo fights tirelessly for, and loves, his Great Country and People, just like I do for the United States of America. As President, Abelardo will be tremendously successful in leading Colombia to Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, Crack Down on Crime and Drugs, and Restore LAW AND ORDER!"

"Abelardo will face off against a Radical Left Marxist in the Runoff on June 21st — The results of this Election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States which, if Abelardo wins, and because of his competence and love of his Country, will have the total support and strength of the United States behind him," he added. "Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life, and his political support for me, it is my Honor to give Abelardo my Complete and Total Endorsement. “EL TIGRE” ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA WILL NOT LET THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA DOWN. It will rise to a new height of Greatness!"

In Trump's second term, Washington has taken great interest in the politics of Latin America, notably backing right-wing candidates across the continent and intervening in Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro.

Right-wing and Trump-aligned figures have recently scored victories in Chile, Honduras, and Argentina. In Peru, meanwhile, current ballot tallies show the right-wing Keiko Fujimori on pace to win the presidency of that country.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.