Colombian President Calls for Mass Protests in Response to Trump's Accusations

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called on his citizens to participate in mass nationwide demonstrations next Wednesday to express their commitment to national sovereignty, following accusations made by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a post on "X" on Monday evening, Petro urged the Colombian people to defend their nation: "Raise the Colombian flag in your homes. We will gather in all squares across Colombia next Wednesday at 4:00 PM. It is time to defend national sovereignty." Petro announced he would personally participate in the rally at the historic Bolivar Square in Bogotá.

Earlier, President Trump targeted Petro, alleging that Colombia is smuggling cocaine into the United States. Trump stated: "Petro has factories to produce cocaine (...) and he sends it to the United States; he needs to be careful." These remarks come shortly after the U.S. operation against Venezuela on Saturday, which resulted in the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. On Monday, Maduro appeared before a U.S. court in New York, rejecting charges of "leading a corrupt and illegitimate government" and "cooperation with drug traffickers."