The head of an American workers’ advocacy group said Colombian President Gustavo Petro and Sen. Iván Cepeda are “radicals” who undermine growth and security for millions of Colombians, responding to a recent interview on the country’s political climate.
“As a descendant of Colombia, I reject the excuse that the United States is somehow the problem for Colombia’s election,” said Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers (LAW), in response to an interview with Cepeda published by Jacobin.
“Petro and Cepeda are radicals who undermine growth and security for millions of Colombians,” said Cortes. “They cozy up to organized crime groups, and regular Colombian citizens know it.”
Cortes is a former senior adviser to President Donald Trump and has worked as a political strategist and media commentator on economic and labor issues. LAW is an advocacy organization focused on trade policy, domestic industry, and wages for U.S. workers.
In the interview cited by Cortes, Cepeda discussed Colombia’s political climate ahead of its next elections and said U.S. political dynamics, including those tied to President Donald Trump, could influence the country.
He also said the policies of Petro are part of a broader shift in Latin American politics.
Cepeda has served in Colombia’s Senate since 2014 and is affiliated with the “Historic Pact” coalition that helped bring Petro to power in 2022. Petro previously was mayor of Bogotá.
During the first three years of Petro’s administration, Colombia recorded more than 40,000 violent deaths, an increase compared to the prior government, according to national police data cited in reporting by The Bogotá Post.
Kidnappings increased more than 80% under Petro, while extortion also rose during his administration, reported The Financial Times.
Colombia is scheduled to hold its next presidential election in 2026, when voters will choose a successor to Petro, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second term. As the candidate of the “Historic Pact” coalition, Cepeda is positioned as a continuation of the Petro administration’s political agenda.
