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Why Trump ‘Decertified’ Colombia Over Cocaine Trade

Members of the military patrol a street in Cali, Colombia, following the country's decertification on Sept. 16. — Members of the military patrol a street in Cali, Colombia, following the country's decertification on Sept. 16.Photographer: Jair F. Coll/Bloomberg

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By Matthew Bristow

September 16, 2025 at 9:36 PM UTC

Lea en español.

US President Donald Trump has “decertified” Colombia as a partner in its effort to combat the drug trade, relegating the longtime US ally to the same category as Venezuela, Bolivia, Afghanistan and Myanmar.