American businessman Dan Newlin has once again responded to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, challenging him to show evidence of his accusation that he invested $1.8 million in Meta to support elected president Abelardo De La Espriella.
American businessman Dan Newlin has responded for the second time to Colombian President Gustavo Petro after the latter's accusations regarding alleged irregular funding in the recent elections. In a message posted on his X account, Newlin denied having contributed "a single dollar" for social media advertising in favour of any candidate and challenged the president to show proof or "admit a mistake".
Newlin denies any financial contribution
In his statement, Newlin was emphatic: "I reiterate that I have not contributed a single dollar to run ads on Meta, Google, X or any other social media platform in favour of any presidential candidate or you". The businessman added that he has provided "absolutely no funding, not a single dollar for advertising or propaganda of any kind, in any form or manner, for the elections in Colombia".
Newlin emphasised that he was never asked to make such contributions and described Petro's accusations as "completely verifiable". "I challenge you to provide the documentation or evidence that supports them. I am 100% sure you will not be able to do so," he stated.
The origin of the controversy
The controversy began when President Gustavo Petro claimed that American citizen Dan Newlin had invested $1.8 million in the Meta social media company to campaign in favour of Abelardo De La Espriella and against Iván Cepeda, according to a message posted on the same social network. Petro questioned whether that support is recorded in the presidential campaign accounts.
Newlin had already initially responded by denying any financial contribution to elected president Abelardo De La Espriella, as well as having authorised or directed such contributions. Now, with this second message, he raises the pressure on Petro to prove his claims.
A tense electoral context
Petro's accusations are framed within his rejection of the legitimacy of elected president Abelardo De La Espriella, after he won by less than one percentage point against Senator Iván Cepeda. However, international observers and electoral authorities dismissed any kind of manipulation in the Colombian elections.
The Colombian president has insisted on his allegations, while Newlin, a well-known lawyer and businessman, maintains his stance of not having intervened in the campaign. "It is time to put an end once and for all to these unfounded accusations. Please show Colombia the evidence or demonstrate that you have the strength to admit a mistake," concluded Newlin.
For followers of Colombian politics, this exchange of accusations adds more tension to an already polarised scenario. While Petro holds on to his suspicions, Newlin demands concrete proof. The outcome of this standoff could have implications for the already fragile relationship between the Colombian Executive and international business sectors.
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