President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that Colombian President Gustavo Petro is next on his list in his drug-trafficking crackdown if the Latin American leader does not straighten his country out. 

The Trump administration has accused Petro of being an "illegal drug trader," and tension between the United States and Colombia heated up over Petro’s appearance at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Manhattan earlier this year, where he urged U.S. soldiers to not follow Trump's orders. 

Trump has primarily focused his attention on combating the illicit drug trade flowing from Venezuela, by directing strikes to interdict suspected drug-running operations. But Trump has floated expanding his strikes to Mexico and Colombia.

“Colombia is producing a lot of drugs,” Trump said, according to Politico. “So [Petro] better wise up or he’ll be next. He’ll be next soon. I hope he’s listening, he’s going to be next.”

Despite the threats, Trump might not need to follow through if tensions don't escalate further because Petro is term-limited and the country will elect a new leader in May. 

The Treasury Department has already sanctioned Petro and his family, which stems from an executive order that targets people involved in the global drug trade. Colombia is considered the top producer and exporter of cocaine, which is often purchased by Mexican drug cartels.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.