Colombia's New President Abelardo de la Espriella Inaugurated; US Pledges $1 Billion Aid

Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia's new president on Friday, pledging a tough crackdown on crime and insurgency.

The conservative leader, who calls himself "The Tiger," vowed to defeat narco-terrorists in his first presidential speech. The U.S. State Department announced late Friday that President Donald Trump's administration plans to provide $1 billion in security assistance to Colombia as de la Espriella took office. De la Espriella, a right-wing lawyer, succeeds leftist Gustavo Petro.

His administration's crime-fighting efforts will be supported by the U.S. financial package. Trump has described de la Espriella as a smart, strong, and tough leader. In his inaugural address at a military garrison in Cali, de la Espriella also spoke of austerity measures aimed at restoring confidence in the economy and pledged a profound transformation of the country's destiny.

He has a background in a lucrative legal career and various business projects. The U.S. security aid is intended to bolster the new government's efforts against drug trafficking and insurgency. De la Espriella's platform focused on a vigorous fight against narco-terrorists and a general crackdown on crime. De la Espriella's inauguration marks a shift in Colombia's political landscape, with the U.S. signaling strong support for his administration's security agenda.