A recent public social media disagreement between President Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro has highlighted the former Marxist guerrilla’s prominent political role.

The U.S. faced a potential trade war with Colombia after Trump threatened tariffs on all Colombian imports unless Colombia accepted deported Colombians on military flights as part of Trump’s deportation efforts.

The trade war was averted after Petro reportedly agreed to lift his ban on deportation flights, but not before issuing a strong statement criticizing Trump’s “greed,” threatening retaliatory tariffs, and defending Colombia’s sovereignty.

Petro’s response to Trump is consistent with his outspoken social media presence.

Petro became Colombia’s first leftist leader in 2022, promising to address violence, human rights abuses, and poverty.

According to The Associated Press, Colombians historically harbored reservations about left-leaning politicians due to concerns about their stance on violence.

Petro’s past as an M-19 guerrilla member may have unexpectedly benefited his domestic political prospects.

While celebrated domestically, Petro’s election caused apprehension internationally.

Colombia was a key U.S. ally in Latin America, and the U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement generated $33.8 billion in trade in 2023, representing a quarter of Bogotá’s exports.

Despite this strong trade relationship, Petro has pursued controversial diplomatic initiatives diverging from Washington’s geopolitical agenda.

Since becoming president, Petro has restored relations with Venezuela, whose leader, Nicolás Maduro, has ties to China, Russia, Iranian proxies, and Cuba.

Petro strongly opposes Israel, criticizing Jerusalem for “neo-Nazi” actions against Palestinians following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.

Petro’s opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza continued for 15 months until a ceasefire, partly negotiated by officials now in the Trump administration, suggesting potential future conflict between the leaders.

“Many Latin American countries have grown accustomed to U.S. administrations failing to deliver on promises or act in the interests of national security,” Joseph Humire, expert on Latin America and executive director of the Center for a Secure Free Society, told Digital. “President Petro underestimated President Trump’s resolve to secure the border and end weaponized migration undermining American sovereignty.”

“Any government obstructing America’s right to deport criminals will face similar punitive measures,” he added.

The future of Trump-Petro relations and how Trump reversed Petro’s position remain unclear.

Colombia’s foreign minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, and ambassador to the U.S., Daniel Garcia-Pena, will meet in the coming days to discuss the weekend’s agreements and avoid a trade war.