Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella is asking President Trump to suspend tariffs as his nation recovers from a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that has killed at least 289 people and left thousands missing.
De la Espriella, a Trump ally who won his June presidential election with Trump’s endorsement, spoke with the president Saturday night for ten minutes. The conversation centered on U.S. humanitarian aid — and economic relief Colombia desperately needs.
“I just spoke for ten minutes with President Donald Trump. I deeply thanked him for all the economic aid and the support of the United States rescue teams in the face of the tragedy we are experiencing. President Trump also expressed his condolences for the victims of the earthquake and his solidarity with the affected Colombian families.”
The U.S. has already mobilized $26.5 million in humanitarian assistance — food, health protection, and shelter funds — and deployed specialized urban search and rescue teams over the weekend. U.S. Southern Command is transporting supplies on the ground.
But De la Espriella told Trump the country faces a second crisis: rebuilding an economy he described as “extremely difficult and apocalyptic” — inherited from the previous administration.
“I told him that we have a huge challenge ahead: rebuilding Colombia amid the extremely difficult and apocalyptic economic situation that I inherited. I also asked him to consider the temporary suspension of the high tariffs that affect Colombian products, in order to provide relief to our businesspeople, who are facing very difficult times due to the effects of the earthquake.”
The earthquake struck cities in western Colombia including Pereira, Cali, and Quibdo, as well as Pacific coastal areas. Its epicenter was in Choco, one of the poorest regions in the country.
The quake destroyed 14,705 homes, damaged over 81,000 others, and injured nearly 4,000 people. Colombia’s government reports 143 people missing, though independent databases put the number in the thousands. More than 70 people were lost in Cali alone — the country’s third-largest city.
Rescue teams are still pulling survivors from the rubble. Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said miracles are happening despite the time that has passed since the quake struck.
“Miracles do happen. We are working where we know there are still victims; we are working in the hope of rescuing people alive.”
De la Espriella leaned on his personal relationship with Trump throughout the call, describing the conversation as “very friendly and cordial.”
“President Trump was supremely warm and expressed his affection for Colombia and his fondness for our people. I reiterated my deep gratitude for the solidarity and support of the United States toward Colombia. Today, more than ever, the alliance between Colombia and the United States is an imperative for the reconstruction of our beloved nation.”
Acabo de hablar durante diez minutos con el presidente Donald Trump. Le agradecí profundamente toda la ayuda económica y el apoyo de los equipos de rescate de los Estados Unidos frente a la tragedia que estamos viviendo.
El presidente Trump también manifestó sus condolencias por…
— Abelardo De La Espriella (@ABDELAESPRIELLA) August 15, 2026
Trump endorsed De la Espriella — nicknamed “El Tigre” (The Tiger) — heading into his June runoff election. He defeated far-left candidate Iván Cepeda Castro by less than 1%.
Trump celebrated the win on Truth Social at the time, calling it a “Great Honor” to endorse the new Colombian president and promising to build “a powerful relationship between Colombia and the United States of America, which will bring new levels of Greatness for both of our Countries.”
That alliance is now being tested — and Trump is responding with both humanitarian support and an open line to a key Latin American partner.
