Trump-backed populist barely wins Colombia presidential vote, sparking protests

Barranquilla, Colombia — A flamboyant U.S.-backed lawyer who has never held public office narrowly won Colombia's polarizing presidential runoff Sunday, swinging the country hard right and sparking violent protests. With almost all the ballots counted, Abelardo de la Espriella held 49.66 percent of the vote versus left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda's 48.70 percent. The 47-year-old's slender win triggered demonstrations, but will ease ties with Washington and extend a regional right-wing wave centered on "iron fist" security policies. "We are beginning a new era!" he told supporters in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla from behind thick bulletproof glass. Abelardo de la Espriella, candidate of the National Salvation Movement, celebrates in Barranquilla, Colombia, after narrowly winning Colombia's 2026 presidential runoff election on June 21, 2026. Cristian Acosta / Anadolu via Getty Images "For those who have sown violence, terror, drug trafficking, and corruption all these years, their time is up!" he said, echoing his vow to wage war against drug-running guerrilla groups. President Trump cheered the result, exclaiming "He Won, BIG!" as a host of right-wing leaders from across the Americas clamored to offer congratulations and support. But after a campaign marred by guerrilla bomb attacks and the murder of a leading conservative presidential candidate, there was a quick sign of how tough it will be for De la Espriella to unite this deeply divided nation. …