The United States is preparing to revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa after his outspoken remarks in New York, where he urged American soldiers to defy President Donald Trump and accused Washington of complicity in “genocide” in Gaza.
Speaking outside the United Nations headquarters during the General Assembly, Petro told a crowd:
“I ask all the soldiers of the army of the United States not to point their guns at people. Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity!”
The comments, widely circulated on social media, were branded “reckless” by Washington officials. Neither Petro’s office nor Colombia’s foreign ministry responded to requests for comment.
Accusations against US
In his official UNGA address on Tuesday, Petro escalated his criticism of the US president, calling Trump “complicit in genocide” in Gaza. He also demanded “criminal proceedings” over recent US missile strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which Washington claims were linked to drug trafficking.
The attacks, confirmed by Trump last week, have killed at least 17 people, fueling regional tensions and raising questions about their legality.
Pro-palestinian support in New York
Beyond the UNGA stage, Petro was seen addressing pro-Palestinian protesters outside UN headquarters. His X (formerly Twitter) account later reposted video clips of his speech to demonstrators.
“Free Palestine. If Gaza falls, humanity dies,” he declared in one post.
Petro has been one of the most vocal Latin American leaders opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza. His government has already suspended coal exports to Israel in protest.
Growing diplomatic rift
The potential revocation of Petro’s visa underscores a growing rift between Bogotá and Washington. Traditionally close allies, relations have soured in recent months over Petro’s criticism of US foreign policy and his vocal opposition to Trump.
The move could further complicate diplomatic ties, especially as the Colombian president positions himself as a leading voice in Latin America on both Middle Eastern conflicts and US interventions in the Caribbean.
