"We are concerned that he is coming for something else—to seal commitments of intervention and subjugation of Colombia and its sovereignty to the U.S.," warned Senator Iván Cepeda, who anticipated this may be the objective behind the announced humanitarian aid that the Trump administration would offer to victims of last month's severe earthquake, which left thousands affected.

He also recalled that the U.S. has a particular interest in the energy sector. "Is it through intensified oil exploitation that they seek to turn Colombia into a sort of U.S. oil and energy reserve? Is that the real purpose of Mr. Rubio's visit?" questioned the former presidential candidate.

"We Demand Transparency"

In the same vein, Senator María Eugenia Londoño, an opponent of President Abelardo de la Espriella, voiced her rejection of turning Colombia into a platform for Washington's military, political, or economic interests.

"Colombia is not the U.S.'s backyard. We demand transparency regarding the military, intelligence, and cooperation agreements he intends to sign with Rubio following his announced visit," she asserted in a message on X.

"No foreign power can decide for our people with whom we trade, what alliances we build, or how we orient our foreign policy. Sovereignty is not negotiable. We tell Marco Rubio clearly that Colombia is a sovereign country and deserves respect," she stated.

The Secretary of State's visit has generated strong expectations as it takes place amid a radical shift in bilateral relations. The leftist government of Gustavo Petro (2022–2026) maintained ongoing confrontation with the U.S., while De la Espriella, who took office just on August 7, has offered an unconditional alliance with Trump.

The Colombian government confirmed that De la Espriella will receive Rubio in Barranquilla, and they will address topics such as trade, investment, market opening, tourism, technology and innovation, regional security, and the fight against drug trafficking, among others.