So why refuse them now?

Because everyone has a breaking point. This was Colombia's breaking point.

To repeat: There was absolutely no need to use military aircraft for this job. It's been done dozens (hundreds? thousands?) of times over the last decade or two by civilian aircraft. There was no reason whatsoever to do this via military aircraft except to provoke a response.

Side bit of info. Are you aware that when the President travels internationally, the Air Force personnel who fly the plane and conduct in flight activities and who support the plane upon arrival and during the time it waits for the President's departure all wear civilian clothes? This in spite of the fact that they are conducting these operations as part of the official military duties.

They do this to emphasize the fact that this is not a military invasion of the country, but a peaceful and non-aggressive presence in their country. They do this to help put the foreign country - both leadership and citizens - at ease about this activity. They do this out of respect for the foreign country's sovereignty over their airspace and lands.

But Trump and MAGA have no respect for anyone. So they do whatever stupid shit they want and expect deference - just like the schoolyard bully. Guess what? Being a bully doesn't always work. Stand up to bullies, and they back down.

--Peter