Donald Trump has thrown a curveball into transatlantic relations. The former president, still the presumptive Republican nominee, predicted warmer ties with Colombia’s president-elect, Gustavo Petro. That’s right. Petro. The leftist former guerrilla. The man who once called Trump a “racist clown”.
But here’s the thing. In politics, enemies can become bedfellows overnight. Especially when there’s a deal on the table. Trade. Drug policy. Migration. Colombia sits at a strategic pivot. And Trump, ever the dealmaker, smells an opening.
Downing Street is watching closely. Sources tell me the Foreign Office is on edge. Why? Because a Trump-Petro axis could upend Britain’s careful diplomacy in Latin America. The UK has been cozying up to Petro’s government. Aid packages. Trade missions. Climate partnerships. All part of Starmer’s “global Britain” reboot.
But if Trump gets in, that whole strategy could unravel. Petro might pivot. Why court a fading power when the White House is calling? British diplomats fear being sidelined. Again.
The timing is brutal. Starmer’s own poll numbers are flatlining. A foreign policy own goal is the last thing he needs. Cabinet is split. Some see this as an opportunity: ride Trump’s coattails. Others warn it’s a trap. “We can’t be seen as Trump’s poodle,” one minister told me.
Meanwhile, the Labour left is quietly cheering. They’ve long backed Petro. But if Trump embraces him, expect fireworks. The base will revolt. Starmer will be squeezed between the White House and his own party.
For now, London is playing it cool. A Foreign Office spokesperson said only that the UK “looks forward to working with both administrations”. Classic fudge. But behind the scenes, the memos are flying. Scenarios are being run. This one is far from over.
My take? Trump knows exactly what he’s doing. He’s sending a message: I’m back. And I’ll deal with anyone. Even your friends. Britain’s diplomats better start thinking on their feet. Because the game has changed.
