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The relationship between the United States and Colombia, historically one of Washington’s staunchest allies in Latin America, has been severely tested by a public and escalating conflict between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump. The rift, fueled by sharp disagreements over international conflicts, drug policy, and immigration, reached a critical point with a diplomatic incident at the United Nations in late September 2025.
The Spark: UNGA Speech and Visa Revocation
Tensions climaxed during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. On September 23, 2025, President Petro used his final address to the assembly to deliver a searing critique of U.S. foreign policy, specifically targeting President Trump.
Key points of Petro’s criticism included:
- Caribbean Missile Strikes: Petro demanded that President Trump face a “criminal process” over recent U.S. missile strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which Washington claimed were transporting drugs. Petro argued the victims were “poor young people” fleeing poverty, not major drug traffickers, and accused the U.S. of extrajudicial killings.
- Gaza Conflict and Genocide: Petro accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” in the Gaza conflict, aligning with his government’s earlier decision to sever diplomatic ties with Israel.
- Decertification: The Colombian leader condemned the Trump administration’s move to “decertify” Colombia as a fully cooperating partner in the anti-drug effort, framing it as an attack influenced by Colombian “mafia-linked politicians.”
The diplomatic fallout was immediate and dramatic. Following his UNGA speech, Petro joined a pro-Palestinian protest outside the UN headquarters where he publicly urged U.S. soldiers to “disobey the orders of Trump” and “obey the orders of humanity!”
The U.S. State Department swiftly announced it would revoke Petro’s U.S. visa, citing his “reckless and incendiary actions.” Petro, who learned of the revocation upon returning to Bogotá, defiantly dismissed the action, stating it violated the norms of diplomatic immunity and suggested the UN headquarters should be moved out of New York.
Deeper Policy Divides
The September 2025 incident is the most recent manifestation of a fundamental ideological and policy clash between the leftist Colombian leader and the Republican U.S. president.
| Policy Area | Petro’s Position | Trump Administration’s Stance |
| Drug Policy | Focus on substituting coca crops and social investment; argues U.S. demand drives the trade. Condemns U.S. military strikes. | Focus on military interdiction and eradication; threatened sanctions over perceived lack of cooperation and officially “decertified” Colombia. |
| Immigration | Strongly condemned the use of U.S. military planes for deporting Colombian migrants, demanding “dignity” for returnees. | Strict deportation crackdown; threatened high tariffs and financial sanctions on Colombia when Petro initially resisted receiving the planes. |
| Global Affairs | Highly critical of U.S. and Israeli actions, calling for a global army to enforce international justice and “liberate Palestine.” | Unwavering support for Israel; views Petro’s remarks as “incendiary” and dangerous incitement. |
Exportar a Hojas de cálculo
The confrontation has significantly strained the decades-long strategic partnership between the two nations, introducing a high degree of unpredictability into bilateral relations as Petro utilizes his platform to challenge U.S. global influence and policy decisions directly.
