Daily News Article - October 22, 2025
NOTE TO STUDENTS: Before answering the questions, watch the videos under "Resources" below.
1. How much money has the U.S. given to Colombia in the past 25 years?
2. How does Colombia use the aid given to them by the U.S.?
3. What led to President Trump's announcement that the U.S. will cancel all aid to Colombia?
4. a) How did Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, change the country's policies/procedures for eradicating the drug trade in the country?
b) What effect have Petro's policies had on drug trafficking from Colombia?
5. a) What designation did the U.S. give to Colombia last month?
b) What action did the Trump administration take regarding Colombia at that time?
6. When asked about the administration's designation of drug traffickers as narcoterrorists and the the U.S. use of military force to stop them, President Trump said that the policies we have been using for the past 30 years have failed to eradicate the drug trade. Re-read the "Background" below and watch the videos under "Resources."
a) Do you support the Trump administration's new approach to finally end the drug trade from Colombia, Venezuela and other countries to the U.S., including targeting drug boats, and stopping aid to Colombia? Explain your answer.
b) Whether you support or oppose these methods, do you think they will succeed in destroying the drug cartels trade? Explain your answer.
c) Ask a parent the same questions.