U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau delivered a scathing rebuke of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, calling him a “person of such low moral character” and revealing his visa was revoked following recent remarks.
Landau’s strong condemnation, reported by Semana, stemmed from Petro’s calls in New York for U.S. troops to disregard orders from their president-a reference to ongoing U.S. military operations targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels. The escalating tensions highlight a deepening rift between the Biden management and Petro’s left-wing government, raising concerns about the future of U.S.-Colombia relations and regional security cooperation. The incident underscores the delicate balance between national sovereignty and international partnerships, particularly as Colombia navigates its internal struggles with drug cartels and political polarization.
According to Semana, Landau accused Petro of “very provocative manner” and lamented that Colombia was represented internationally by someone of such character. He further stated the decision to remove Petro from the country and revoke his visa was a direct response to his actions.
The dispute follows Petro’s repeated criticisms of U.S. anti-narcotics operations, which he argues infringe upon Colombian sovereignty and are ineffective. Landau’s statements signal a hardening of Washington’s stance toward Petro, potentially complicating efforts to address shared challenges such as drug trafficking, migration, and regional stability.
