Colombian President Gustavo Petro has threatened to impose 50% tariffs on goods imported from the United States in response to similar measures announced by his US counterpart Donald Trump, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Trump announced a series of measures against Colombia earlier this evening after Petro banned a flight carrying deported migrants from landing on Colombian territory.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially authorized the flights carrying deported migrants, then canceled his authorization when the planes were in the air, Reuters reported.
"It is the responsibility of every country to take back its citizens who are in the United States illegally, in a serious and swift manner," Rubio said in a statement. "As today's actions demonstrate, we are unwavering in our commitment to ending illegal immigration and strengthening the security of America's borders."
Trump's punitive actions appeared to be aimed at making an example of Colombia, Reuters noted. It was a demonstration of a more muscular U.S. foreign policy and showed Trump's renewed willingness to use U.S. power to force other countries to bend to his will. Trump wrote on his social network "Trot Social" that Colombian President Gustavo Petro's refusal to accept the flights threatens US national security.