The United States has committed a $1 billion aid package towards security and law enforcement initiatives in Colombia, just hours after the inauguration of the country's new conservative leader, Abelardo de la Espriella. De la Espriella, who has expressed admiration for former US President Donald Trump and shares similar policies, pledged to launch an aggressive campaign against drug cartels during his first official speech. The financial support is aimed at helping the newly elected president achieve shared objectives, such as combating organized crime and illegal immigration – issues that Trump had criticized de la Espriella's left-wing predecessor for mishandling. This development follows a broader trend of rightward political shifts in Latin American countries amidst economic struggles and concerns over gang violence. In his inaugural address, the new president vowed to take a firm stance against crime and protect democracy through force if necessary, echoing similar crackdowns by leaders like Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and Daniel Noboa in Ecuador. The aid package is part of the US's efforts to strengthen relationships with politically aligned leaders while distancing itself from those with whom it disagrees. De la Espriella's presidency marks a shift away from his predecessor, Gustavo Petro's "total peace" strategy, which prioritized negotiations and incentives for farmers to stop growing coca. Critics argue that this approach failed in reducing the membership of armed groups and controlling violence. The escalation in Colombia coincides with the ongoing conflict between rival rebel groups along its border with Venezuela, causing tens of thousands of displacements last year. De la Espriella has also announced plans to join the "Shield of the Americas" security partnership founded by Trump, a move welcomed by the US State Department, which sees his pro-growth agenda as an opportunity to boost trade and economic ties between the two countries. This decision further aligns Colombia with other right-wing governments seeking closer ties with the Trump administration, such as Argentina under libertarian President Javier Milei. The change in leadership also signals a decline in political allies for Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who will face far-right populist Flávio Bolsonaro in October's election. De la Espriella has promised a strong military alliance with the US and Israel, a stark contrast to his predecessor's stance on the Israeli government's offensive in Gaza and support for the Palestinian cause. Known as "El Tigre," de la Espriella is a media-savvy lawyer and millionaire businessman who campaigned as an outsider, refusing to govern with traditional politicians – a move signifying his intention to distance himself from Colombia's political establishment of the past.