POTUSRECORDThe office changes.George W. Bush / George W. Bush / Rule of law & crime
2000–2008 · inherited program
Programs implemented · mixed goals assessed by GAO (2008)
Historical case snapshot · reviewed
Published · Visual edition October 6, 2026
Compare this casePUBLICATION-MADE RECORD DIAGRAM
Visual guide: Plan Colombia: security gains and unmet drug-reduction goals. U.S. Government Accountability Office and the linked official records supply the evidence below. This diagram is not a photograph, chronology of legal effect or measure of success.
Colombia initiated its plan in 1999. Initial U.S. funding was approved under Clinton in July 2000; many programs became operational under George W. Bush in 2001 and later. The evidence spans both administrations.
Colombia sought a 50 percent reduction in illicit narcotics cultivation, processing, and distribution over six years and to regain control of areas held by illegal armed groups.
U.S. funding was approved in July 2000 during Clinton’s presidency. Many U.S.-supported military and police programs became operational in 2001 and later during Bush’s presidency; aid supported air mobility, law enforcement and civilian justice programs.
GAO found the six-year drug-reduction goal was not fully met, while security improved. Estimated coca cultivation was about 15% higher and cocaine production about 4% higher in 2006 than in 2000; Colombian-reported murders and kidnappings fell by at least one-third through 2007.
More than $6 billion in U.S. aid was appropriated for FY2000–2008, not necessarily obligated or spent. Victim reparations and reintegration were slow, cultivation estimates were affected by an expanded survey area, and gains were reversible. These observations do not isolate either U.S. president’s contribution.
OFFICIAL EVIDENCE / FULL SOURCE REGISTER
Source dates identify the original publication, document or stated vintage. The review date identifies when this edition examined that evidence.