Colombia’s president‑elect Abelardo de la Espriella won the June 21 election with approximately 12.9 million votes, the highest total in the country’s history. Former President Donald Trump endorsed de la Espriella during the campaign, setting the stage for a shift in U.S.–Colombia relations after the Trump administration had decertified Colombia in September 2025 for failing to meet counternarcotics obligations.

Before entering politics, de la Espriella worked as a criminal defense attorney in Miami, representing clients such as members of the United Self‑Defense Forces of Colombia and Venezuelan businessman Alex Saab. He has pledged to end peace negotiations with armed groups, expand military operations, and construct 10 high‑security prisons modeled after El Salvador’s CECOT system. At a July 15 congressional hearing chaired by Rep. María Elvira Salazar, officials outlined a reset strategy, citing $135 million in International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement assistance and highlighting continued support through Black Hawk helicopters, intelligence sharing, and counter‑drone capabilities.

Lawmakers criticized former President Gustavo Petro’s counternarcotics record, noting coca eradication declines and suspended extraditions, while emphasizing that Colombia remains the source of up to 94% of U.S.-seized cocaine. Human rights advocates warned that a harder security approach must be balanced with protections for social leaders and the 2016 peace accord. De la Espriella is set to be inaugurated on August 7, and Congress will decide whether to maintain or lift the “failed demonstrably” designation and shape FY2026 assistance.