he expressed deep concern about Colombia’s direction under left-wing President Gustavo Petro and suggested that U.S. sanctions, higher tariffs or other retaliatory actions might be needed to steer it straight.
Support implementing U.S. sanctions, higher tariffs, or other retaliatory actions against Colombia if its government continues in a direction opposed by U.S. interests.
Occurrences
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) was joined by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) in announcing new legislation to impose President Trump’s sanctions on Colombia.
Evidence
WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) was joined by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) in announcing new legislation to impose President Trump’s sanctions on Colombia. The legislation comes after Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused President Trump’s repatriation flights.
WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) released the following statement slamming socialist Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who quickly backed down after turning back migrant deportation flight from the US attempting to land in Colombia: In response to Petro’s actions, President Trump issued 25% tariffs on Columbia, a travel ban, and immediate VISA revocations on Colombian government officials. President Trump also ordered enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections of all Colombian nationals and cargo.
WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) spoke to the Associated Press about his CODEL to Latin America. Excerpts can be found below. 'When Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno visits Colombia this week as part of a three-nation tour of Latin America, it will be something of a homecoming.' 'Moreno has emerged as an interlocutor for conservatives in Latin America seeking to connect with the Trump administration.' 'In an interview with The Associated Press ahead of the trip, he expressed deep concern about Colombia’s direction under left-wing President Gustavo Petro and suggested that U.S. sanctions, higher tariffs or other retaliatory actions might be needed to steer it straight.'
Today, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) issued the following statement after President Trump sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) was joined by colleagues in announcing new legislation to impose President Trump’s sanctions on Colombia. More information about the legislation is forthcoming.
Assessments
Evidence shows Sen. Bernie Moreno publicly advocated for sanctions/tariffs against Colombia, raised the issue during a CODEL, issued statements endorsing President Trump’s subsequent sanctions (tariffs, visa revocations, travel restrictions), and joined colleagues to introduce legislation to impose sanctions. The retaliatory actions were implemented by the President/executive branch rather than through Moreno’s own enacted legislation, but Moreno materially advanced and supported the outcome in the same term. Because the actions occurred but were carried out by the administration (and Moreno’s bill was only introduced, not shown enacted), the claim is partially fulfilled.
Senator Bernie Moreno publicly advocated for and introduced legislation supporting U.S. sanctions, tariffs, or retaliatory actions against Colombia in response to the Petro government's policies. However, the evidence does not confirm that the sanctions or tariffs were enacted into law or fully implemented as a result of Moreno's efforts. The promise was partially fulfilled through advocacy and legislative attempts, but not fully delivered at the policy outcome level.
Senator Bernie Moreno voiced support for sanctions and other retaliatory actions against Colombia if its government opposed U.S. interests, consistent with his campaign promise. He also collaborated with colleagues to introduce legislation to impose sanctions on Colombia and issued public statements advocating such measures after specific provocations by the Colombian government. However, while legislative attempts and strong advocacy occurred, the available evidence does not confirm enactment or actual implementation of new U.S. sanctions or tariffs directly resulting from Moreno's efforts. Therefore, the promise is considered partially fulfilled due to significant legislative and rhetorical action, but not full delivery.