Abelardo de la Espriella, a 47-year-old Colombian millionaire lawyer and political novice, surprised by finishing first in the first round of the Colombian presidential elections on May 31, 2026, with over 43% of the vote. The man, also a US citizen, received Donald Trump's "total and complete" support on June 2 for the second round scheduled for June 21. Trump described de la Espriella as an "intelligent, strong, and tough leader" capable of "stopping illegal immigration" and "restoring order." An admirer of Trump, Nayib Bukele, and Javier Milei, de la Espriella promises a "firm hand" policy against crime and narcoterrorism, aiming for strengthened relations with the United States. However, on the same day, a judge in Bogotá ordered de la Espriella to publicly apologize for sexist remarks made on May 12, which the candidate described as "humor."