Trump Touts Tariffs and Travel Bans on Colombia After Golf Outing
President Donald Trump took a break from golfing at his Trump National Doral Miami course to address a diplomatic crisis with Colombia. Just hours after golfing, Trump announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs and travel bans on the country after Colombian President Gustavo Petro barred two U.S. military deportation flights from landing.
The flights, carrying 80 Colombian migrants each, were authorized to land by Colombian officials before being cancelled when the planes were already in the air. The move was deemed a violation of national security and public safety by the Trump administration.
In response, Trump directed his administration to take “urgent and decisive retaliatory measures.” These measures include:
* A 25% tariff on all goods coming into the United States, with an increase to 50% after one week
* A travel ban and immediate visa revocations on Colombian government officials and allies
* Visa sanctions on all party members, family members, and supporters of the Colombian government
* Enhanced customs and border protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo
* Treasury, banking, and financial sanctions to be fully imposed
Trump framed the move as a necessary action to protect the national security and public safety of the United States. “These measures are just the beginning,” he said. “We will not allow the Colombian Government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the Criminals they forced into the United States!”