Colombia’s upcoming presidential election is drawing significant attention amid a growing trend of right-wing, pro-Trump candidates gaining ground across Latin America. Abelardo de la Espriella, a far-right criminal defense lawyer with no prior public office experience, has emerged as a leading contender. Known for his tough-on-crime rhetoric and self-styled image as “the tiger,” de la Espriella has received an explicit endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a continuation of the U.S. administration’s active involvement in regional politics.
The election, scheduled for Sunday, has seen de la Espriella campaign on pledges to construct large prisons for drug traffickers, bomb “narco-terrorist camps,” and abandon peace negotiations with guerrilla groups initiated under the current leftist President Gustavo Petro. His approach aligns with the hardline tactics adopted by political figures like El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, whose aggressive anti-gang measures have resulted in mass incarcerations, often amid allegations of due process violations.
De la Espriella’s rise reflects a wider shift in Latin America, where right-wing candidates aligned with Trump have unseated leftist governments. In recent years, conservative victories have been recorded in countries including Argentina, Honduras, Costa Rica, Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Notably, Argentina’s President Javier Milei expanded his congressional influence following Trump-backed financial support, while conservative candidate Xiomara Castro's successor in Honduras benefited from U.S. threats to withhold aid contingent on electoral outcomes. Similar contests are underway in Peru, where Keiko Fujimori is poised to win the presidency, and Brazil, where Flávio Bolsonaro is preparing for a presidential challenge against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
In Colombia, U.S.-Colombian relations have grown tense under Petro, the country’s first leftist leader, who has criticized U.S. military actions targeting alleged drug shipments. Trump labeled Petro a “lunatic” and has actively campaigned for de la Espriella, describing him as a “Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader,” while attacking de la Espriella’s main rival, Senator Iván Cepeda, as a “Radical Left Marxist.” Cepeda, a Petro ally, has pledged to continue peace efforts with armed groups and was narrowly trailing de la Espriella after the first round of voting in May.
De la Espriella, a dual U.S.-Colombian citizen, has been a controversial figure for defending individuals such as Alex Saab, an associate of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro detained in the United States. He has also been accused by some detractors, including a group of U.S. Democratic lawmakers, of having questionable ties to paramilitary figures and engagement in alleged corrupt practices. The lawmakers condemned Trump’s endorsement as “brazen interference” that undermines U.S. interests and potentially conflicts with legal standards.
Supporters of de la Espriella emphasize his populist appeal and rejection of established political elites, contrasting him with Colombia’s traditional conservative forces led by former President Álvaro Uribe Vélez, whose influence appears to be waning among younger voters. María Fernanda Cabal, a former senator and right-wing figure, argues that de la Espriella’s outsider image and style have attracted a substantial base disillusioned with the current political class.
Analysts highlight that de la Espriella’s election could signal a fundamental shift in Colombia’s strategy toward its decades-long armed conflict. While Petro has prioritized dialogue and peace accords, critics warn that de la Espriella’s proposed “muscular” approach may escalate violence and human rights concerns. Experts note his alignment with U.S. policies favoring aggressive interdiction and military action against drug trafficking, which have sparked controversy over civilian casualties.
Public sentiment among some Colombians reflects frustration over security challenges, with voters expressing support for stronger military and police responses. However, the potential consequences of de la Espriella’s policies continue to prompt debate within Colombia and abroad, as the nation grapples with balancing peace efforts and security priorities amid a highly polarized political landscape.