Trump Dials Down Rhetoric, Invites Colombian President Gustavo Petro to White House Amid Tensions

A dramatic shift in tone has occurred in the ongoing dispute between US President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Just days after a heated exchange over alleged drug trafficking in Colombia, Trump has extended an invitation for Petro to visit the White House.The unexpected move comes after Trump spoke with Petro on the phone, discussing their differences, including the issue of drug trafficking. Trump expressed his enthusiasm for meeting Petro in person, stating that arrangements are being made through Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Colombian Foreign Minister.In a recent exchange, Trump had criticized Petro, accusing him of being involved in the global drug trade. The US President also warned Petro to "watch his back," but the Colombian leader remained defiant, stating that he would "take up arms" to defend his country. Petro has been a vocal critic of US military operations in the Caribbean, which began with the seizure of alleged drug boats and expanded to Venezuelan oil tankers. The Colombian leader has also called Trump's operation in Venezuela an 'abhorrent' violation of Latin American sovereignty.The US and Colombia have a long-standing alliance, but tensions have risen in recent months, culminating in Trump imposing sanctions on Petro and his family in October over alleged involvement in the global drug trade. The invitation to the White House could signal a thaw in relations between the two leaders.