President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In a world where political dramas like House of Cards thrive on intrigue and audacity, even the most incredulous storylines pale in comparison to the spectacle of Donald Trump’s presidency. Hollywood scriptwriters might be dismissed outright for proposing a scenario where a sitting president resolves international conflicts mid-golf game while simultaneously live-tweeting. Yet, that’s precisely what Trump accomplished, making even Frank Underwood look timid.
The recent face-off between President Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro encapsulates this unparalleled approach. What began as a defiant standoff by Petro ended halfway through one of Trump’s golf rounds, proving once again that Trump’s playbook—equal parts spectacle and strategy—continues to rewrite the rules of global diplomacy.

The Standoff: Trump’s Tariffs vs. Petro’s Pride

It started with a bold move: Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s leftist president, refused to allow US military planes carrying deported Colombian migrants to land in his country. Petro framed his stance as a stand for dignity and sovereignty, invoking historical grievances and the resilience of his people in fiery social media posts. However, Trump, never one to shy away from confrontation, retaliated swiftly with a 25% tariff on Colombian goods, a threat to double it within a week, and visa sanctions targeting Colombian officials.
Petro’s response was defiant, even poetic, as he drew on Colombia’s rich history and cultural identity. In a lengthy statement, he challenged Trump’s arrogance, criticized US interventionism, and vowed that Colombia would “stop looking northward” and instead “open itself to the world.”
Yet, as dramatic as the rhetoric was, the economic reality began to bite. Trump, from the golf course, turned up the heat. By the time Petro’s defiance reached its crescendo, Trump had not only set the terms but also made it clear that the clock was ticking. The mounting economic pressure, coupled with Trump’s characteristic brazenness, left Petro with little choice.

Golf Diplomacy at Its Peak

Petro’s resistance crumbled before Trump even finished half a game. It’s reported that Trump, between putts, dictated a series of tweets and press releases that not only outlined the consequences for Colombia but also turned the situation into a media spectacle. The pièce de résistance was Trump’s viral FAFO post—an acronym for “F*** around, find out”—cementing his stance and adding a touch of meme-worthy bravado to the diplomatic row.
In a few hourse, Petro announced a reversal of his position. The presidential plane of Colombia would be used to facilitate the “dignified return” of deported migrants. The tariffs and sanctions Trump had threatened were “held in reserve,” pending compliance with US demands.

A Million TV Shows, But Nothing Like This

What sets this episode apart is not just Trump’s unapologetic style but the sheer efficiency with which he achieves results. While traditional diplomacy involves layers of negotiation, Trump’s approach resembles a high-stakes poker game played in full view of the public. The combination of economic leverage, social media theatrics, and an unwavering confidence in his own methods has redefined presidential diplomacy in ways that no political drama or Hollywood script could anticipate.

Lessons from the Green

For better or worse, Trump’s handling of the Petro standoff will be studied as a case study in power dynamics and modern leadership. It demonstrates the efficacy of combining economic might with media savvy, though it also underscores the vulnerability of nations dependent on US trade. As Trump sinks his putts and Petro reflects on the economic realities of his decisions, one thing becomes clear: in Trump’s world, the art of the deal isn’t confined to boardrooms or summits—it’s as likely to unfold on the back nine of a golf course. However, it should be mentioned that Trump has more challenging assignments on the cards. Bullying Colombia is chickenfeed compared to dealing with China or ending the Russia-Ukraine war. That wil be a true test of Trump’s mettle.