Marco Rubio underscores regional cooperation and warns of “lunatic president” in Colombia

In a clear, direct comment on hemispheric security and regional cooperation, Secretary Marco Rubio reaffirmed the U.S. government’s strategy to confront organized-crime routes and illegal flows that affect the nation. Rubio highlighted the presence of U.S. officials in key countries across the region — Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama — and reiterated the importance of local partnerships, particularly with Colombia’s armed forces and police, despite his concern over the current political leadership in Bogotá.

On-the-ground cooperation: partners that make a difference
Rubio stressed that when it comes to criminal routes and the smuggling of drugs or people, effective action happens “on the ground.” It is in transit countries that networks operating from South America through Central America and ultimately toward the U.S. border are detected, disrupted and dismantled. In this regard, the U.S. diplomatic and security presence in countries such as Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama is a key piece of the comprehensive response.

The strategy, Rubio explained, is not limited to public statements: “we would not announce it on the ground,” he said, referring to the operational prudence necessary not to compromise ongoing investigations or actions. But he made clear that there are “partners on the ground” actively collaborating with Washington agencies and personnel to curb those criminal routes and protect U.S. citizens and the region as a whole.

Colombia: institutional cooperation despite problematic leadership
Rubio expressly praised the pro‑U.S. stance of much of Colombia’s institutions, particularly the military and police, which he views as reliable partners in the fight against drug trafficking. However, that positive assessment of the security forces contrasts with a severe criticism of the political leadership: “The only problem in Colombia is a lunatic president. That guy is crazy, he’s a lunatic,” he stated forcefully, criticizing what he perceives as erratic decisions by the Colombian executive.

The secretary indicated that, despite differences with the president, Colombia’s institutional framework maintains a disposition favorable to cooperation with the United States. Rubio emphasized that diplomacy and joint operations continue thanks to the professionalism of the armed forces and police, but warned that the persistence of a hostile or erratic government complicates the political and economic outlook for the region.

Reference to congressional actions and alleged links
In his remarks, Rubio also referred to reported actions by the Colombian Congress — “they voted, I think, something like 72 to 20” to designate the Venezuelan regime as a narco‑terrorist organization — using that reference to underscore that, despite the president, the Colombian people and legislative institutions maintain firm stances against drug trafficking and threats to regional stability. Rubio added that, regrettably, the Colombian population will have to deal with that leadership “until May next year,” alluding to a local political calendar that complicates governance.

Security and order: priorities shared with the Trump administration
Rubio’s message fits within the foreign‑policy line of the Republican government: strengthen border security, strike transnational criminal networks and consolidate alliances with governments and security forces that share strategic interests. For the secretary, the presence of U.S. personnel in the isthmus countries and in Colombia is not an isolated expense but an investment in the protection of the homeland and hemispheric stability.

The emphasis on practical cooperation — intelligence sharing, interdictions, technical assistance — reflects the conviction that U.S. security depends as much on domestic actions as on a firm, coordinated foreign policy. Rubio made clear that, although current operations are not publicized, the administration has mechanisms and partners to counter threats and mitigate the influence of regimes or actors that act against American interests.

Warning and call for political prudence
The toughness of Rubio’s words about the Colombian president is meant to draw attention to the risks posed by having a hostile executive in a strategic partner. This is not only about diplomatic disagreements: erratic leadership can affect trade, security along transit routes and judicial and military cooperation. That is why Rubio insisted on the need to maintain contacts with institutions that, despite the political context, have proven reliable.

Additionally, by noting that the administration will not publicly reveal the on‑the‑ground strategy, Rubio underscored that operational prudence is essential to prevent criminal networks from adapting their routes and methods in response to premature media exposure.

Conclusion: firmness and quiet work
Marco Rubio’s remarks reinforce the Republican narrative that national security requires both leadership and coordinated work with regional allies and professional forces. While acknowledging and valuing the cooperation of Colombian institutions —and of the governments of Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama— Rubio did not hide his alarm over the quality of political leadership in some partners, which he characterizes as dangerous for regional stability.

The final message is one of determination: the United States maintains presence and allies on the ground, ready to act in defense of its security and hemispheric stability, and to sustain cooperation with institutions that have shown loyalty and effectiveness despite political fluctuations in some governments. For the administration and its spokespeople, that combination of diplomatic firmness, coordinated action and support for the forces that uphold order is the only way to protect the nation and curb the transnational threats that today challenge the hemisphere.