President Donald Trump welcomed Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House on Tuesday for an extended bilateral meeting that lasted nearly two hours – a significant sit-down between the America First president and one of South America's most left-leaning leaders.
Petro arrived at the White House at 10:53 AM and departed at 1:03 PM, suggesting substantive discussions took place behind closed doors in the Oval Office. The Colombian president is scheduled to hold a press conference at the Colombian Embassy at 3:30 PM, where he'll presumably share his version of events.
Press Kept at Arm's Length
In a notable move, the American press pool was not allowed inside the bilateral meeting. Photos from the Oval Office discussion were instead released by Colombia's presidential office – handout images shared with Colombian and international journalists covering Petro's visit.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was spotted near Pebble Beach preparing for interviews, with reporters gathering at the stakeout location hoping to catch her for comment on the meeting's substance.
What's Really at Stake
Let's be clear about who Gustavo Petro is: a former guerrilla member and self-described progressive who has clashed with American interests on everything from drug policy to immigration enforcement. The fact that President Trump gave him nearly two hours of face time speaks to this administration's commitment to direct, tough diplomacy – even with leaders who don't share our values.
Unlike the Biden administration's weak-kneed approach to Latin America that allowed the region to drift further into China's orbit, President Trump understands that America must engage from a position of strength. Whether the topic was border security, trade, or the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, you can bet Trump made American priorities crystal clear.
Patriots should watch Petro's 3:30 PM press conference closely. If the Colombian leader looks shaken, we'll know exactly how the meeting went.