U.S. President Donald Trump [Reuters]
U.S. President Donald Trump [Reuters]

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday publicly endorsed Abelardo Espriella, a right-wing candidate who advanced to the runoff in Colombia's presidential election.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump congratulated Espriella — known by the nickname "El Tigre," meaning "The Tiger" — on finishing first in the May 31 first-round vote with 43.7 percent of the vote.

"Abelardo fights tirelessly for his great Country and its People, loving them, just as I do for America," Trump wrote.

He added that as president, Espriella "will have tremendous success leading Colombia toward economic growth, job creation, expanded trade, stopping illegal immigration, cracking down on crime and drugs, and restoring law and order."

Without naming him, Trump referred to Espriella's runoff opponent — Ivan Cepeda of the ruling "Historic Pact" coalition — as a "radical left Marxist." He also noted that the two candidates will face off in a runoff vote on June 21.

"The result of this election is very important for the future of Colombia and its relationship with the United States," Trump said, adding that it was "an honor to fully endorse Abelardo because of the tremendous things he has accomplished in his life and his personal political support of me."

Espriella has shaken up the race with a hard-right platform that includes a campaign pledge to build 10 large prisons in the Amazon jungle to reduce crime rates, and support for martial law that would temporarily grant sweeping powers to the president and military.

A star attorney with no prior public office experience, he is regarded as a far-right outsider and political maverick — a figure widely compared to Trump.

Trump has previously offered public endorsements of right-wing candidates in elections in other countries, including Honduras, Japan and Hungary.


husn7@heraldcorp.com