Staff Reports
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made a clear, public show of support for Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, after meeting him in Barranquilla. In a Spanish‑language interview with Noticias RCN and NTN24, Rubio said the new government’s first month showed “more concrete action” against criminal gangs than what the United States saw in the previous four years. He also promised to push to help Colombia regain U.S. drug‑certification sooner if Bogota keeps up the effort. That short exchange is now the center of attention for U.S.–Colombia relations.
Rubio’s Barranquilla Message: Straight Talk on Security and Certification
Rubio did not mince words. Speaking right after the bilateral meeting and a ceremony where the two governments signed memorandums on civil nuclear cooperation and a critical minerals framework, the Secretary of State praised President de la Espriella’s quick security moves. Rubio reminded listeners that the U.S. decertified Colombia in 2025 for falling short on counternarcotics cooperation. His promise to try to accelerate a restoration of certification is a big diplomatic carrot — one that could unlock more U.S. support and cooperation.
Concrete Action, Not Photo Ops
De la Espriella campaigned on a hardline stance and then promptly ordered military operations that targeted FARC dissidents and other narco‑terror groups. Colombia also joined the Americas Counter Cartel Coalition, opening the door to closer, even joint, operations with U.S. forces. That kind of muscle is exactly what Rubio is praising. If you spent the last four years hoping that policy lectures and soft approaches would choke off the narco trade, well — reality has other plans.
What Washington Should Do Next
If Rubio’s words are more than political cheerleading, Washington must follow through. Start by offering real intelligence, logistics, and targeted support that helps Colombian forces do their jobs without tying their hands. Back the MOUs on critical minerals and civil nuclear work where cooperation makes sense. At the same time, keep pressure on human‑rights safeguards. A win against narco‑terrorists should not mean turning a blind eye to abuses. Smart support, not moralizing or paralysis, is what will protect both Colombians and American interests.
Bottom Line: A New Chapter, If It’s Earned
Rubio’s endorsement is a signal: the United States sees a different partner in President de la Espriella and is willing to reward results. That’s how alliances should work — incentives for performance, not endless excuses for failure. If Colombia keeps delivering real, measurable blows to criminal gangs, Washington should move quickly to restore certification and deepen cooperation. And if the new government stumbles, blunt talk and conditional support will be equally necessary. For now, conservatives should cheer the shift from weakness to strength — and hope it lasts long enough to matter.
