Trump Backs Far-Right Colombian Candidate as Latin America Shifts Right

Colombian presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, known as “El Tigre,” has received explicit support from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who endorsed the right-wing candidate ahead of the country’s runoff election. Trump’s intervention marks a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy, as Latin American politics increasingly mirror the U.S. political divide, according to analysts.

How Did Trump Become a Foreign Election Player?

Trump’s endorsement of de la Espriella, a criminal defense attorney and political newcomer, represents a departure from traditional U.S. diplomatic norms. The former president has publicly backed several Latin American leaders, including El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and Argentina’s Javier Milei, framing his support as part of a broader effort to combat drug cartels and “narco-terrorists.”

“This is unprecedented,” said Guillaume Long, a former Ecuadorian foreign minister and policy researcher. “Trump’s intervention in Latin American elections undermines regional sovereignty and risks deepening political polarization.”

Why Is Latin America Tilting Right?

Recent polling by Latinobarómetro shows a record high of 53% of Latin Americans identifying with the right, a shift driven by frustration with leftist governments’ handling of crime, inequality, and economic instability. The so-called “Pink Tide” — a wave of leftist leaders elected in the 2000s — has faced backlash, with critics arguing that policies failed to deliver on promises of equity.

“Voters are punishing incumbents,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Stimson Center. “But this pendulum swing risks undermining democratic institutions if leaders prioritize security over human rights.”

What Role Do U.S. Policies Play?

The Trump administration has framed its interventions as part of a war on drug trafficking, designating cartels as terrorist organizations. However, critics argue this rhetoric serves as a pretext for expanding U.S. influence. For example, Ecuador has allowed U.S. Special Forces to conduct operations against drug traffickers, while Chile’s José Antonio Kast has pledged a border wall to curb migration.

“The U.S. is leveraging security concerns to justify political interference,” said James Bosworth, founder of Hxagon, a political risk analysis firm. “But many Latin American leaders are adopting hardline policies independently, driven by domestic pressures.”

How Is This Affecting Regional Stability?

The shift has created tension between the U.S. and some Latin American governments. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accused Trump of “electoral interference” after U.S. drug trafficking charges were filed against members of her party. Meanwhile, Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro criticized Trump’s endorsement of de la Espriella, calling it an attempt to “turn Colombia into a colony.”

“This isn’t just about politics — it’s about who controls the narrative,” said Alex González Ormerod, a Mexican journalist. “There’s a cross-pollination between U.S. and Latin American right-wing movements, but it’s not entirely one-sided.”

What’s Next for Latin America’s Political Landscape?

The region’s upcoming elections will test whether the right’s momentum continues. In Brazil, leftist leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces a tight race against Jair Bolsonaro’s son, while Peru’s Keiko Fujimori appears poised for a narrow victory. Analysts warn that the growing polarization could lead to political instability if leaders prioritize confrontation over collaboration.

“The lesson from the past two decades is that Latin America’s politics are unpredictable,” said Gedan. “But the current alignment with U.S. right-wing figures suggests a long-term realignment that could reshape the region’s future.”