De la Espriella Draws US Criticism Over Election Remarks

Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has drawn criticism from U.S. Democrats after openly endorsing Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar for her upcoming midterm election. The controversy arises as both nations seek to maintain cooperation on security, counternarcotics efforts, trade, and other strategic issues.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Democrat Greg Meeks warned that a foreign head of state intervening in U.S. elections is "unacceptable" and could jeopardize the decades-long bipartisan support between Washington and Bogotá. Meeks emphasized that decision of who represents Americans in Congress should be left to U.S. voters alone.

De la Espriella defended his endorsement, framing it as support for a longtime political ally who defends Colombia’s interests in Washington. The relationship between the two politicians predates De la Espriella’s presidency, with the Colombian leader financially supporting Salazar in 2018 and her traveling to Colombia to back his presidential campaign.

The endorsement is particularly sensitive given the importance of the Colombian community in Salazar’s Florida district and her advocacy for cooperation between the two countries. While De la Espriella’s support could strengthen ties with Republican allies, it risks alienating Democrats who hold significant sway over the congressional balance of power.