Colombia’s New President: Trump‑Backed Abelardo de la Espriella Wins Runoff

Tue Jun 23 2026 15:56:37 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by Donald Trump, narrowly secures Colombia’s presidency amid a split electorate and rising security concerns.

The February runoff saw Abelardo de la Espriella defeat Iván Cepeda with 49.7% of the vote, a victory that could reshape Colombia’s approach to its long‑standing armed conflict. With a promise of a hard‑line military crackdown and closer ties to the United States, de la Espriella has already been hailed by right‑wing leaders across Latin America. Despite the celebration in Barranquilla, rivals fear the result may spark unrest, and President Gustavo Petro has hinted at possible challenges. The new leader’s background as a lawyer and businessman lends him an outsider image that resonated with voters tired of the status quo.

Abelardo de la Espriella takes Colombia’s presidency

In a tightly contested runoff held on February 7, the 46‑year‑old lawyer and businessman Abelardo de la Espriella, endorsed by former US president Donald Trump, edged out left‑wing rival Iván Cepeda by less than one percentage point, securing 49.7% of the vote. With 99% of ballots counted, de la Espriella’s win signals a dramatic shift in the country’s approach to its decades‑long armed conflict.

A military‑centric platform

De la Espriella pledges to end negotiations with illicit armed groups and launch a comprehensive military crackdown on cartels, FARC dissidents, the ELN and the Clan del Golfo. He also plans to expand the state’s prison network into the jungle, shrink public services, and strengthen ties with the United States.

Outrage and celebration in Barranquilla

After the preliminary count, a sea of yellow fans—wearing the national football jersey—filled Barranquilla’s streets. They chanted “Petro out!”, “Make Colombia Great Again!” and celebrated the new “Tiger” with fireworks, music and marching chants. Supporters of Cepeda gathered in the same city, voicing fear that the result could ignite unrest.

Political implications

President Gustavo Petro, a former commander of the FARC, has threatened to challenge the outcome and called for a full audit of voting software. In the past weeks, several Latin American leaders—Argentina’s Javier Milei and Chile’s José Antonio Kast—have welcomed the shift to the right, citing security and economic freedom as reasons for their support.

Who is de la Espriella?

A lawyer from the Caribbean coast, young de la Espriella boasts a client list that includes Alex Saab and high‑profile fraudster David Murcia Guzmán. He gained popularity by emulating the charismatic regime of Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and by rallying his supporters behind a distinctive beard, military salutes and a sunflower skirt.

Future outlook

With a plan to crack down on drug trafficking and criminal gangs, de la Espriella’s administration faces an uphill battle, given the recent surge in cartels’ influence and the country’s internal security challenges. The world watches closely as Colombia’s new leader promises a “new stage of safety and prosperity.”