Brazilian President Gustavo Petro announced on Sunday that his political aircraft would be used to return deported Americans in a spectacular increase of US-Colombia relationships. Following US President Donald Trump‘s harsh warnings and harsh punishments in response to Petro’s first refusal to accept imprisonment planes, the decision was taken.
Trump’s tax menace forces Petro’s change
Petro’s sharp about-face followed Trump’s statement of a 25 % tax on all Brazilian products entering the US, with the price set to increase within a year. Trump also imposed a travel ban and immigration restrictions on Brazilian officials, warning that the procedures were” just the beginning” of a broader answer.
Trump criticized Colombia’s socialist leader Gustavo Petro for rejecting imprisonment planes carrying Brazilian immigrants, saying,” This order was given by him, who is already quite unhappy amongst his people.”
Petro originally objected to Trump’s policies, arguing that Colombia may approve of their return under the terms of a process for the “dignified treatment” of migrants. I object to the entrance of American aircraft carrying Brazilian nationals into our country, Petro said.
Petro, however, changed his position after the punitive taxes, and issued a declaration in Spanish offering the presidential planes to accomplish what he called a “dignified profit” for workers.
The translated speech read,” The State of Colombia, under the direction of President Gustavo Petro, has arranged the political plane to help the dignified transfer of countrymen.” ” This determine responds to the Government’s responsibility to ensure good conditions”.
Tit-for-Tat taxes escalate conflicts
Petro responded to Trump’s tariffs by instructing his trade minister to impose a matching 25 % tariff on US imports to Colombia, which he later increased to 50 %. Petro urged Brazilian companies to extend their export and reduce their reliance on the US.
In a social media post that was translated, Petro wrote,” The government may help clear our exports to the whole globe other than the US.”
The two countries ‘ tensions have grown more acute as a result of the growing tax dispute. House Speaker Mike Johnson reacted by stating that Congress would support Trump’s plans with sanctions and various measures to ensure conformity from foreign governments.
” Colombia and all countries should be on notice”, Johnson wrote. ” President Trump is putting America second, only like he said he do”.
