The United States has revoked the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro following his controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York. According to the State Department, Petro’s comments were described as “careless and incendiary,” especially his call for U.S. soldiers to disregard orders from former President Donald Trump.
Germany Proposes Overhaul of Aviation Security Law to Combat Drone Threats
What Happened at the Rally
On September 22, 2025, while in the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, Petro attended a rally in New York. During his speech, he proposed the formation of a “World Salvation Army” with the mission of “freeing Palestine.”
In a striking statement, Petro urged American soldiers:
“Disregard Trump’s orders! Follow the order of humanity!”
He further called on young soldiers in Israel and the U.S. to lay down their weapons and focus on fighting against “tyrannical and fascist regimes.”
US Response
The State Department swiftly canceled Petro’s U.S. visa, condemning his remarks as a reckless provocation. A spokesperson criticized his direct appeal for soldiers to ignore lawful orders, stressing that such rhetoric undermines stability and encourages defiance within military ranks.
Colombia’s Reaction
By the time the U.S. decision was announced, Petro had already returned to Bogotá. Colombia’s Interior Minister Armando Benedetti strongly criticized Washington’s move on social media, calling it hypocritical. He argued that if any visa should be revoked, it should be that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not Petro.
Growing Tensions Between the US and Colombia
Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, has had a tense relationship with Washington. In recent speeches, including his UN address, he condemned U.S. airstrikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean, accusing Washington of collusion with drug cartels. He also argued that U.S. anti-drug operations in Latin America masked a deeper agenda of “violence to dominate.”
Washington, however, defended its operations, stating they targeted Venezuelan cartels and accusing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of protecting such criminal networks.
International Context
Petro is not the only leader facing travel restrictions. The U.S. also denied visas to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and nearly 80 Palestinian officials ahead of the UN General Assembly—an unusual move since world leaders are typically granted access to attend regardless of political tensions.
What Happens Next
Petro’s visa revocation underscores the growing friction between the U.S. and Colombia, particularly on issues such as drug trafficking, military cooperation, and human rights. As diplomatic tensions rise, the dispute may reshape U.S.-Colombian relations and influence broader debates on foreign policy in Latin America.
Conclusion
The U.S. decision to revoke President Petro’s visa highlights deepening disagreements over foreign policy, drug enforcement, and military strategy. With both nations standing firm in their positions, the coming months will reveal whether relations can stabilize or spiral further into diplomatic confrontation.
1 thought on “US Revokes Colombian President Petro’s Visa After Controversial Remarks at Rally”