U.S. Revokes Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s Visa Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Remarks
The U.S. State Department announced on Friday that it would revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro following his controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian protest in New York. Officials described Petro’s actions as “reckless” and “incendiary,” marking a new low in already strained relations between Washington and Bogotá.
According to Colombian media, cited by Agence France-Presse, Petro had already departed New York and was en route back to Bogotá by the time the decision was made public.
What Sparked the Visa Revocation?
The incident unfolded on Friday when Petro addressed a large pro-Palestinian demonstration on the streets of New York. Speaking through a megaphone in Spanish, and with a translator by his side, he called on nations around the world to form an international army “larger than that of the United States.” He further appealed directly to U.S. soldiers, urging them to refuse orders from President Donald Trump.
“Do not point your rifles at humanity,” Petro declared. “Disobey Trump’s order! Obey the order of humanity!”
The comments drew immediate condemnation from U.S. officials. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the State Department said:
“Earlier today, Colombian President @petrogustavo stood on a NYC street and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence. We will revoke Petro’s visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions.”
Petro’s Criticism of U.S. Military Operations
The controversy did not emerge in isolation. Earlier in the week, during an interview with the BBC, Petro denounced the Trump administration’s military strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea. He described the operations as an “act of tyranny,” questioning their legality and morality.
Petro also expressed concern that some of those killed in the U.S. strikes may have been Colombian nationals. Washington, however, has defended the actions as part of its ongoing anti-drug operations in the region, particularly targeting networks allegedly linked to Venezuela’s government, which it accuses of running a cartel.
Colombian Reaction: Defiance and Criticism
The U.S. decision quickly drew pushback from Colombian officials. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti criticized Washington’s move, arguing that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have been the one to face visa revocation.
“But since the empire protects him, it’s taking it out on the only president who was capable enough to tell him the truth to his face,” Benedetti wrote on X.
Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its military presence and interventions in Latin America. His fiery rhetoric has often clashed with Washington’s positions, contributing to what analysts describe as the sharpest downturn in U.S.-Colombia relations in decades.
Colombia’s Drug Trade and U.S. Pressure
Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, a fact that has long tied the country’s politics to U.S. anti-narcotics strategies. Under Petro, however, Bogotá has signaled a shift away from hardline militarized approaches and toward policies that emphasize social development, rural investment, and alternative crop substitution.
This divergence has created additional friction with the Trump administration, which continues to prioritize aggressive eradication campaigns and military-led operations. Petro’s latest accusations against Washington — that U.S. strikes may have killed Colombians — have only deepened this divide.
Wider Context: Pro-Palestinian Support and Global Tensions
Petro’s speech in New York also underscored his outspoken support for the Palestinian cause. By calling for a global army to counter U.S. influence, he aligned himself with other leaders who view Washington’s Middle East policies as biased and destabilizing.
His comments came during a particularly tense moment at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The U.S. had already denied entry visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and around 80 Palestinian officials, preventing them from attending the high-profile gathering.
This broader context highlights how Petro’s actions were seen in Washington not just as a domestic issue but as part of an emerging coalition of leaders willing to publicly challenge U.S. authority on the international stage.
Strained U.S.-Colombia Relations Under Petro
Since taking office, Petro has positioned himself as a reformer intent on reshaping Colombia’s global role. But his leftist platform has often been at odds with U.S. priorities, especially under the Trump administration. While previous Colombian leaders worked closely with Washington on security and trade, Petro has frequently criticized what he calls “imperial” overreach.
The visa revocation now adds another chapter to this turbulent relationship. Analysts say it signals Washington’s frustration with Petro’s confrontational style and could complicate bilateral cooperation on key issues such as trade, migration, and counter-narcotics efforts.
What Comes Next?
The long-term implications of this diplomatic clash remain uncertain. Some experts suggest the U.S. move is largely symbolic, meant to send a warning to Petro without cutting formal ties. Others caution that if tensions escalate further, cooperation on anti-drug initiatives and regional security could be jeopardized.
For Petro, the episode may boost his image among supporters who see him as a courageous leader standing up to U.S. power. But it also risks isolating Colombia diplomatically at a time when the country faces mounting challenges at home, from persistent violence to economic inequality.
Conclusion
The U.S. decision to revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa highlights the growing rift between Washington and Bogotá. Petro’s call for U.S. soldiers to defy orders and his criticism of military operations in the Caribbean triggered swift backlash, reflecting broader tensions over foreign policy, drug enforcement, and global alliances.
As Petro returns to Bogotá, the fallout from his New York protest speech is likely to echo both at home and abroad — testing the resilience of one of Latin America’s most historically significant partnerships.