US Imposes Sanctions on Colombian Leadership
The United States Treasury Department announced on Friday, October 24, 2025, that it has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his wife Veronica del Socorro Alcocer Garcia, his son Nicolas Fernando Petro Burgos, and Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti. The move marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with the U.S. accusing President Petro's administration of failing to curb illicit drug production and allowing drug cartels to thrive. The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 14059, which targets foreign individuals involved in the international proliferation of illicit drugs.
Allegations of Increased Cocaine Production and Cartel Activity
According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, 'Since President Gustavo Petro came to power, cocaine production in Colombia has exploded to the highest rate in decades, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans.' Bessent further stated that 'President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity. Today, President Trump is taking strong action to protect our nation and make clear that we will not tolerate the trafficking of drugs into our nation.' The Treasury Department specifically cited Petro's 'Total Peace' plan, alleging it has provided benefits to narco-terrorist organizations and contributed to record highs in coca cultivation and cocaine production.
The sanctions mean that all property and interests in property of the designated individuals that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are now blocked and must be reported to the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This action follows a September decision by the U.S. to decertify Colombia as a partner in anti-drug efforts, a designation that had not occurred in nearly 30 years. Additionally, President Petro's U.S. visa was revoked in September after remarks he made at a pro-Palestinian rally.
Colombian Response and Broader Context
President Petro swiftly responded to the sanctions, calling them a 'paradox' given Colombia's long history of cooperation with the U.S. in combating drug trafficking. He stated, 'not one step back and never on our knees,' and confirmed that U.S. attorney Daniel Kovalik would represent him. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti denounced the U.S. move as retaliation. The Colombian Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the accusation 'an act of the utmost seriousness that goes against the dignity of the President,' and criticized Washington for attempting to illegally intervene in Colombian territory.
The sanctions underscore a period of heightened friction between the Trump administration and President Petro's left-wing government. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously referred to Petro as an 'illegal drug leader' and threatened to cut aid to Colombia and impose tariffs. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott affirmed that the U.S. 'will not turn a blind eye to Petro's appeasement and emboldening of narco-terrorists.' This diplomatic rift marks a significant shift in relations, as Colombia has historically been one of Washington's closest allies in South America.
5 Comments
KittyKat
This is blatant US interventionism and hypocrisy. They're just punishing Petro for political reasons.
Katchuka
These sanctions will only worsen US-Colombia relations, not help. It's a foolish and counterproductive move.
Loubianka
Petro clearly failed to control drug production. Sanctions are absolutely necessary to protect our country.
Noir Black
Protecting our borders and citizens from this drug surge is paramount. Great move by the US.
Michelangelo
Petro is right, this is pure retaliation, not genuinely about drug control. It's a political hit job.