The U.S. Department of State has expressed strong disapproval of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing his statements at a pro-Palestinian demonstration as reckless. During the rally outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City, Petro reportedly called for U.S. military personnel to defy President Trump’s orders.
The remarks have sparked significant diplomatic tension, with officials in Washington DC indicating that the incident could lead to the revocation of Petro’s visa. While no formal action has been taken, the State Department’s warning signals a shift in the U.S.-Colombia relationship, which has traditionally been marked by cooperation on counter-narcotics and regional security issues.
Petro, who has been in office since 2022, has consistently emphasized his progressive stance on social and environmental issues, but this incident highlights the complexities of international diplomacy. The potential visa action could impact diplomatic relations and affect bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade and security.
Analysts suggest that the situation might reflect broader ideological differences between the U.S. and Colombia, particularly regarding the handling of conflicts in the Middle East. However, it remains to be seen whether this will evolve into a more extended diplomatic dispute or simply be a one-off incident.
The U.S. government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the visa revocation, but the State Department’s comments indicate that the issue is being taken seriously. The potential consequences for Petro’s diplomatic standing could have implications for Colombia’s international relations and its strategic partnerships with the United States.