US pledges $1bn support to Colombia as Trump-backed president sworn in

The United States has committed to providing $1 billion in aid to Colombia, following the inauguration of its newly elected right-wing president, Abelardo de la Espriella. The financial support is part of a broader security package aimed at assisting the new leader in achieving shared objectives, including combating organized crime and illegal immigration.

This move marks a significant shift in US-Colombia relations, as Colombia transitions to a more conservative government following the departure of its previous left-wing leader, Gustavo Petro.

De la Espriella, a Trump ally, delivered his inaugural address at the volatile city of Cali rather than Colombia's capital, Bogotá. The choice emphasized his firm stance against illegal armed groups operating in the region. In his speech, he vowed to tackle insurgents, rebuild the country, and defend democracy through force if necessary.

De la Espriella, a former lawyer representing various clients, including drug-trafficking paramilitaries, footballers, and fraudsters, has pledged a tough approach to crime and a close military alliance with the United States and Israel.

Critics have expressed concern that his confrontational style could exacerbate divisions in a politically polarized nation. In his first official act, de la Espriella announced Colombia's participation in the Shield of the Americas, a security partnership initiated by the U.S., to counter narco-terrorism and criminal organizations threatening the nation's security.

The U.S. has expressed its readiness to aid in combating these threats and increase trade and economic ties with Colombia through the new administration's pro-growth agenda.