Trump Endorses Colombia's Right-Wing Candidate Before Runoff

Donald Trump publicly backed right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella on June 3, ahead of Colombia's June 21 presidential runoff against leftist senator Iván Cepeda. The race is tight—polls show 38.7% to 37.3%. The move breaks diplomatic tradition: U.S. leaders rarely endorse specific candidates in allied democracies' elections. Trump's early timing maximizes influence while leaving little time for diplomatic damage control.