The United States has announced that it will revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing “reckless and incendiary” behavior following his participation in a pro-Palestinian rally outside the United Nations in New York.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, the decision comes after Petro urged American soldiers to disobey President Donald Trump’s orders during the demonstration on September 26, calling instead for loyalty to “the orders of humanity.” He also called for a global armed force powerful enough to liberate Palestinians, drawing sharp criticism from Washington.
Earlier in the week at the U.N. General Assembly, Petro accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” in Gaza, a remark that deepened tensions between the two governments.
U.S.–Colombia Relations on Edge
The visa dispute highlights the growing strain in U.S.–Colombia ties since Trump’s return to office. Both sides have clashed over deportation flights, counter-narcotics policy, and sharply differing approaches to the Gaza war.
The move also raises legal questions about the 1947 U.N. Headquarters Agreement, which obliges the United States to permit access for foreign leaders attending U.N. sessions. The U.S. had already denied a visa to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, prompting debate over Washington’s obligations under international law.
As of Saturday, Colombia’s presidency and foreign ministry had not yet commented on the announcement
