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President Donald Trump this week doubled down on his support of Abelardo de la Espriella, a presidential candidate running for office in Colombia.
“As President, Abelardo will be tremendously successful in leading Colombia to Grow the Economy, Create Jobs, Promote Trade, Stop Illegal Immigration, Crack Down on Crime and Drugs, and Restore LAW AND ORDER!” President Trump said in a statement, throwing his endorsement behind the Colombian candidate.
This is not the first time that President Donald Trump has publicly voiced his support for Espriella. In early June, the president shared his endorsement of the Colombian candidate, who is broadly seen as the “right-wing” option in the upcoming Colombian runoff election on Sunday.
“The results of this Election are very important to the future of Colombia and its relationship to the United States which, if Abelardo wins, and because of his competence and love of his Country, will have the total support and strength of the United States behind him,” President Trump noted in his statement.
Espriella has projected gratitude for President Trump’s endorsement, thanking him for his “decisive support,” per The New York Times.
Espriella is a bit of an outsider to Colombian politics. He is a dual citizen of Colombia and the United States and has a background as a criminal defense lawyer, the outlet reported, and has put forth an agenda for president focused on reducing crime and putting his country first – a “Colombia First” message, similar to President Trump’s “America First” campaign.
“Because of his tremendous accomplishments in life, and his political support for me, it is my Honor to give Abelardo my Complete and Total Endorsement,” President Trump said. “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR ‘EL TIGRE’ ABELARDO DE LA ESPRIELLA — HE WILL NOT LET THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE OF COLOMBIA DOWN. It will rise to a new height of Greatness!”