President Gustavo Petro of Colombia delivers a speech during the swearing-in ceremony of General William Rincon as the new director of the National Police in Bogotá, Colombia, October 24, 2025. AP/Ivan Valencia
According to the press release U.S. Department of the Treasury
On Friday, October 24, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the imposition of sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and members of his close circle, including his wife, son, and one of his closest associates. Such measures also apply to related entities, as noted in the official Treasury press release.
The release provides an explanation of the nature of the sanctions and their impact on the individuals named and the related entities.
Colombia remains the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocaine. Cocaine from Colombia is often purchased by Mexican cartels, which then smuggle it into the United States across the southern border. This substance poses a serious threat to the United States.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that since Petro took office, cocaine production in Colombia has risen to record levels, leading to an increase in the flow of drugs into the United States.
President Petro has allowed drug cartels to thrive and refused to halt this activity. Today President Trump is taking decisive action to protect our country and make it clear that we will not tolerate illegal drug trafficking in our country
What is known about the US-Colombia conflict
On October 19, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Gegset stated that the Pentagon destroyed a vessel and killed three individuals in the area of responsibility of U.S. Southern Command, which includes the Caribbean region. He added that the vessel was linked to the National Liberation Army and engaged in illegal drug trafficking, but did not provide evidence.
Subsequently, Trump posted on his Truth Social account, where he called the Colombian president “an illegal drug lord who actively encourages the mass production of drugs on large and small plantations across all of Colombia.”
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry called Trump’s words offensive and such that pose a direct threat to the sovereignty of the country. In a statement, it said these accusations are “an extremely serious act that undermines the dignity of the Colombian president.”
In response to the words of the American leader, Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that the vessel belonged to “a modest family.” “Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the United States… but you are crude and ignorant about Colombia. I am not a businessman, and certainly not a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart.”
Mr. Trump, Colombia has never been rude to the United States… but you are crude and ignorant about Colombia. I am not a businessman, and certainly not a drug trafficker. There is no greed in my heart
On October 20, Colombia said it was recalling its ambassador to the United States following Donald Trump’s statements.
We recommend paying attention to:
- European leaders unite in London to strengthen sanctions against Russia and support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and calls for peace.
- Diplomatic tensions rise as the US threatens tariffs on Colombia over drug cartel control, sparking mixed emotions and economic concerns among Colombian citizens.
- The White House rejects Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s claims about a US strike targeting a Colombian vessel, emphasizing strategic partnership and regional security cooperation.
