Senator Cabal Accuses President Petro of Lavish Spending on New York Trip, Alleging $650 Million Peso Expenditure
BOGOTÁ – Senator María Fernanda Cabal has publicly accused President Gustavo Petro of excessive spending during a recent trip to New York, alleging expenditures exceeding 650 million pesos (approximately $150,000 USD) between September 21 and 27, 2025. Cabal further claims Petro’s actions during the trip caused “international ridicule” for Colombia, specifically citing a call she alleges encouraged insubordination within the United States Armed Forces.
The accusations,leveled via social media on November 18,2025,center on what Cabal describes as an ”oversized and expensive entourage” accompanying Petro on the trip. The senator argues the scale of resources allocated to the journey is disproportionate to its relevance, especially given domestic needs for funding in areas like health, security, education, and housing. This controversy arrives as Petro’s management faces ongoing scrutiny regarding budgetary priorities and economic policy.
Cabal detailed her concerns in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), including a screenshot of a tweet from Petro using the hashtag #Petro’sTrips. Beyond the financial implications, Cabal asserts Petro’s conduct during the trip damaged Colombia’s international standing. She specifically referenced a purported call for “insubordination” directed towards the U.S. Armed Forces during an intervention in North american territory.
“There is no money here for health, security, education or housing; but there is money for Petro, his ministers and family abroad,” Cabal stated in a post. She concluded by characterizing the expenses as evidence of a “disconnection” between the president and the needs of the country, suggesting Petro prioritizes “tours and inflammatory speeches” over concrete solutions.
