Petro Signals Stance on US Diplomatic Ties Amid Visa Cancellation, Drug Policy Dispute
BOGOTÁ – Colombian President Gustavo Petro has indicated a willingness to sever diplomatic relations with the United States, following the cancellation of his US visa and ongoing disagreements over drug policy. The escalating tensions mark a significant strain in the historically close relationship between the two nations, perhaps impacting regional stability and counter-narcotics efforts.
The visa cancellation stems from Petro’s outspoken criticism of US policy during a exhibition in New York on September 26, 2025, where he stated, “They disobey Trump’s order, obey the order of humanity. I kneel myself as a Christian before the tombs of thousands of American soldiers who died in the fields of Europe fighting Hitler.” This followed a September 29, 2025, Council of Ministers meeting in Bogotá where Petro displayed Palestine flags. Concurrently,the Trump administration has accused Colombia of insufficient progress in meeting illicit crop eradication goals,leading to a reassessment of US anti-drug assistance.
The US State Department confirmed the visa cancellation, while the Trump administration recently announced it had placed Colombia under scrutiny for its performance in the anti-drug fight. These developments build on existing friction between the two countries, fueled by Petro’s progressive policies and differing approaches to issues like drug trafficking and regional security.The potential rupture in diplomatic ties could have far-reaching consequences for trade,security cooperation,and Colombia’s international standing.
