OAN Staff Addie Davis
12:46 PM – Thursday, June 18, 2026
Abelardo de la Espriella, a Colombian presidential candidate backed by President Donald Trump, affirmed that he will “combat transnational crime and the radical left” as the June 21st run off election looms closer.
Espriella is facing off against left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda Castro — after neither received enough votes to win the May 31st election outright.
On Wednesday, Trump took to Truth Social to confirm his staunch support for Espriella.
“Colombian Presidential Candidate, ‘El Tigre (THE TIGER),’ Abelardo de la Espriella is a Smart, Strong, and Tough Leader, who fights tirelessly for, and loves, his Great Country and People, just like I do for the United States of America. As President, Abelardo will be tremendously successful in leading Colombia to Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, Crack Down on Crime and Drugs, and Restore LAW AND ORDER!” Trump said in his accolades of the candidate.
Espriella also drew a comparison between himself and the U.S. president while commenting on Trump’s announcement.
“Freedom in the Americas needs strong, decisive, independent, courageous, and patriotic leadership. You and I will share a responsibility given to us by God and the People: to fight the radical left that seeks to destroy the values our Nations are built upon,” Espriella said.
He further emphasized the partnership that would take place between him and Trump if he were to win the election.
“Together, President Trump, we will combat transnational crime and the radical left, and we will unite Colombia and the United States as peoples bound by the values of freedom, greatness, and the rule of law. You are an inspiration to all of us who, like you, want to change politics forever. Let’s make Colombia great again,” he continued.
The Colombian presidential run off election is set to take place this Sunday, with the winner taking office on August 7th and succeeding current President Gustavo Petro. Trump compared Abelardo and Cepeda, calling the latter a “Radical Left Marxist.”
According to Edelman, Espriella garnered more than 43% of the vote on May 31st, with Cepeda marginally behind at over 40%.
“The results of this Election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States which, if Abelardo wins, and because of his competence and love of his Country, will have the total support and strength of the United States behind him,” Trump said, going on to affirm his full support.
“Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life, and his political support for me, it is my Honor to give Abelardo my Complete and Total Endorsement. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR ‘EL TIGRE’ ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA – HE WILL NOT LET THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA DOWN. It will rise to a new height of Greatness!” the U.S. commander-in-chief continued.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, an ally of Trump in South America, also weighed in on the Colombian election.
“In the ballotage on June 21, much more than an election is at stake: it will determine whether Colombia continues on the path of economic growth and prosperity or persists on that of impoverishing communism. The forces of freedom in the region are watching and supporting,” Milei posted to X in Spanish, according to a translation.
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