Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been expelled from the United States following the revocation of his diplomatic visa by the State Department. This decision was made after Petro participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York and sharply criticized the Trump administration, particularly regarding Washington's involvement in the Gaza conflict and its support for Israel.
Petro, who was in the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, attended a political rally on a New York street, where he urged demonstrators to use force to "liberate Palestine." In a video circulating on social media, he stated, "This global force must be greater than that of the United States. Therefore, from here in New York, I call on all soldiers of the U.S. army not to aim their rifles at humanity. Disobey Trump's orders. Obey the orders of humanity."
The State Department responded swiftly. Through its official X account, the institution declared: "Earlier today, Colombian President Gustavo Petro stood on a New York street and incited U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and provoke violence. We will revoke Petro's visa due to his reckless and inflammatory actions."
International media outlets, including CNN, reported that canceling the visa further strained the already tense relations between Bogotá and Washington. During his UN address, Petro demanded that the West, including the United States, cease its support for Israel due to the bombings in Gaza. He also directly accused Trump of being a "genocide accomplice" in the Palestinian city.
His accusation came on the heels of an independent UN report that, for the first time, concluded Israel committed genocide against Palestinians, a charge firmly denied by the Israeli government. In his General Assembly speech, the Colombian leader also called for "criminal proceedings" against U.S. actions targeting alleged drug traffickers in South American international waters.
Petro's exit from U.S. territory was swift. According to Caracol Radio in Colombia, he boarded a return flight just before the State Department officially announced the visa revocation. The president also shared a clip of his street speech in New York on his X account, where he claimed that Latin Americans, including Colombians, are descendants of Arabs who arrived in America on Columbus' ships in 1492.
Petro has frequently clashed with the Trump administration over issues such as migration and drug trafficking, openly opposing the White House's policies. In January, he blocked the landing of two military flights carrying deported Colombians, accusing Washington of criminalizing migrants. He later agreed to receive them but sent his own aircraft for their transport.
This abrupt expulsion signifies a turning point in bilateral relations. Colombia, once considered Washington's most reliable ally in South America regarding security and defense, now faces a fractured strategic partnership due to the open confrontation between Petro and Trump.
Key Questions on Gustavo Petro's Expulsion from the U.S.
What led to Gustavo Petro's expulsion from the United States?
Gustavo Petro was expelled due to his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York, where he urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders. His actions were deemed reckless and inflammatory by the State Department.
How has Petro's expulsion affected U.S.-Colombian relations?
The expulsion has further strained the already tense relations between the U.S. and Colombia, marking a significant rupture in what was once a strong strategic partnership.
What actions by Petro led to the revocation of his visa?
Petro's visa was revoked after he publicly urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders during a protest, alongside his critical remarks against the Trump administration's policies in the Middle East.