Colombian President Gustavo Petro's recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump marked a significant turn in their relationship, going from an earlier characterization of Petro as a 'drug lord' to receiving him and his team in a friendly manner at the White House. This unexpected shift in tone indicated a willingness from the Trump administration to engage positively with the controversial Colombian leader.

The context of this meeting is particularly important as it occurs just before Colombia's legislative elections in March and presidential elections in May. Despite the cordiality displayed during their two-hour conversation, the Colombian right-wing media has seemingly downplayed the event, working to avoid amplifying any positive narrative that would benefit President Petro and his presidential allies. This media silence is indicative of the ongoing partisan tension within Colombia as Petro's government navigates internal and external political challenges.

Furthermore, the implications of this meeting could extend beyond domestic electoral outcomes, touching upon U.S.-Colombian relations and how they may evolve under the current administration. The surprising positive media coverage from the White House stands in contrast to the usual critical perspective from Colombian right-wing outlets, raising questions about future interactions and support between the two countries as Colombia approaches a crucial political period.