The United States pledged $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia after its new right-wing president took office. De la Espriella earned President Trump's endorsement despite never having run for office. The newly elected president of Colombia, Abelardo de la Espriella, speaks during the military recognition ceremony as part of the presidential inauguration day at Batallón Pichincha in Cali, Colombia. Colombia has been the United States' top ally in counternarcotics and one of its most important trade partners in the Western Hemisphere. De la Espriella, who holds dual U.S. and Colombian citizenship, has adopted a military salute as his signature move.