US Senator Moreno Alleges Petro's 'Peace' Emboldens Criminals, Citing Drug Flow to US and 2026 Elections

U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) has issued a sharp critique of Colombian President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" policy, asserting that it promotes the appeasement of criminal organizations and negatively impacts both Colombian citizens and the United States. In a recent social media post, Moreno, the first Colombian-born U.S. Senator, highlighted concerns over escalating violence and drug trafficking, while also looking ahead to Colombia's 2026 presidential elections. His remarks underscore growing tensions in the bilateral relationship between Washington and Bogotá.

"Petro habla de paz cuando, en realidad, promueve el apaciguamiento de criminales que han asesinado a miles de sus propios ciudadanos, que se han envalentonado ante la falta de rendición de cuentas y que envían veneno al mayor aliado de Colombia, Estados Unidos, para matar a sus ciudadanos," Senator Moreno stated in his tweet. He emphasized that Colombia deserves a leader focused on improving its people's lives, not the "well-being of narcoterrorists."

President Petro's "Total Peace" initiative, launched in 2022, aims to negotiate with various armed groups, including guerrillas and drug cartels, to end Colombia's long-standing internal conflict. However, the policy has faced criticism from various fronts, with some analysts and opposition figures arguing that it has inadvertently strengthened criminal groups and led to a deterioration of security in some regions. Reports indicate that the policy has seen mixed results, with some ceasefires unraveling and public support for the strategy declining.

The issue of drug trafficking remains a central point of contention between the two nations. Senator Moreno has previously called for a "frontal fight" against cocaine production, noting that approximately 100,000 Americans die annually from drug-related effects. He, along with other prominent Republicans like former President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has consistently pressed for stronger action from Colombia against narcotics, viewing it as crucial for maintaining positive bilateral ties.

Looking to the future, Senator Moreno explicitly referenced Colombia's upcoming 2026 elections. He conveyed that "the world will be watching, and so will the United States," signaling a keen interest in the outcome. Moreno also expressed optimism for a renewed relationship with Colombia "once the Petro era ends," affirming that the deep historical ties between the U.S. and the Colombian people would define their long-term partnership, rather than the current administration's policies. President Petro has, however, repeatedly denied any intention to seek re-election, affirming his commitment to a democratic electoral process.