Trump’s strategic move with Colombia was successful. I’m pleased our president prioritizes America. | Opinion
Trump firmly pressed the Colombian government, threatening tariffs and sanctions, compelling them to assist the U.S. in enforcing immigration laws. And it worked.
President Donald Trump has entered the White House with a sense of purpose. In just a week, he’s made more changes than ex-President Joe Biden did in an entire year.
In his initial days back in the Oval Office, Trump signed over 200 executive orders and proclamations covering a wide range of topics, including immigration, border security, and issues related to gender and diversity equity.
Recently, the Colombian president found himself caught in the fallout of one of Trump’s directives, and it did not bode well for him.
However, it turned out advantageous for the American populace.
Trump pressured Colombia regarding illegal immigration
One of Trump’s early orders aimed at repatriating migrants who unlawfully entered the U.S. as part of the administration’s strategy to enforce immigration regulations.
After Colombia declined two U.S. flights transporting deported migrants, Trump threatened to impose a hefty 25% tariff on imports from Colombia.
In reaction, Colombian President Gustavo Petro hinted at retaliatory tariffs of his own.
Yet, by Sunday evening, the White House reported that Colombia had agreed to Trump’s demands, permitting the “unrestricted acceptance” of U.S. military flights returning Colombian nationals.
This incident exemplifies one of the many ways Trump is asserting his leadership. It also illustrates what can occur now that we have a president prepared to take strong action.
Trump’s firm and public pressure forced the Colombian government to aid the United States in enforcing our immigration laws.
It was a bold yet effective maneuver—and it paid off.
Trump’s boldness reflects his leadership style
Watching the inauguration last week, I couldn’t help but notice Trump’s confident and somewhat egotistical demeanor. Anyone might act that way as the leader of the free world, but true to form, Trump exhibited an extra flair.
This is his innate character, both positive and negative.
In diplomatic terms, a president willing to confront another nation for not accepting their citizens back is both commendable and a bit unsettling.
What might have transpired had Colombian officials responded with threats of economic consequences, such as skyrocketing coffee prices, if the U.S. persisted with deportations?
Would Trump have taken the chance of elevating inflation to meet his immigration goals?
Trump embraced that risk not just to enforce immigration regulations but also to signal his distinctly different approach compared to the Biden administration.
This tactic could appear precarious, yet for many conservatives, it’s refreshing to witness a president exhibiting strong leadership. At last, we have a leader who insists on respect for our nation and its laws.
Trump follows through on immigration enforcement promises
It’s vital to clarify: These deportations wouldn’t be necessary if Biden had effectively enforced immigration policies.
In 2021, Biden rolled back several regulations from Trump’s first term that successfully curtailed illegal immigration. Consequently, there has been a surge of migrants crossing the border unlawfully, culminating in record Border Patrol encounters in December 2023. The influx has overwhelmed resources at the border as well as in cities and states across the country.
In Texas, the state has allocated significant resources to border security, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to request $11.1 billion in federal reimbursement.
I appreciate that Trump takes the federal government’s accountability in enforcing immigration laws seriously. He has declared a national emergency and deployed 1,500 military personnel to assist in border security. On Sunday, according to NBC News, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents made approximately 1,200 arrests in Chicago in just one day.
I believe that the 77.3 million Americans who supported Trump are pleased to see a president who prioritizes America, even if it entails taking a firm stand.
Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist. She resides in Texas with her four children.
