In a rare and striking move, the United States has announced it will revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
The decision comes after Petro made a highly charged appeal to American soldiers in New York, calling on them to resist orders from former President Donald Trump and to act according to “humanity.”
The announcement by the U.S. State Department marks a significant diplomatic rebuke as Petro attended the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.
Petro’s Controversial Call to U.S. Soldiers
On Friday, outside the U.N. headquarters, Petro addressed a gathering, telling U.S. soldiers: “I ask all the soldiers of the army of the United States not to point their guns at people. Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity!”
The State Department responded swiftly. On social media platform X, officials said:
“Earlier today, Colombian president @petrogustavo stood on a NYC street and urged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders and incite violence. We will revoke Petro’s visa due to his reckless and incendiary actions.”
As of now, neither Petro’s office nor Colombia’s foreign ministry has offered a formal comment.
Broader Criticism of Trump and U.S. Policies
Petro has not shied away from criticizing U.S. policies.
At the U.N. on Tuesday, he accused Trump of being “complicit in genocide” in Gaza and called for criminal investigations into U.S. missile strikes on suspected drug-trafficking vessels in the Caribbean.
His social media activity reinforces his positions.
On Friday, Petro reposted videos of himself speaking at a pro-Palestinian protest in New York alongside former Pink Floyd guitarist Roger Waters, sharing the message:
“Free Palestine. If Gaza falls, humanity dies.”
Colombia’s Actions Reflect Petro’s Stance
Petro has also taken tangible steps that underline his opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Notably, he has suspended Colombian coal exports to Israel, signaling his government’s willingness to act in line with his public statements.
Diplomatic Fallout Continues
The revocation of Petro’s visa marks a rare escalation in U.S.-Colombia relations.
It comes amid Petro’s vocal criticism of American foreign policy and his direct appeals to U.S. military personnel.
This story is still developing, and more reactions are expected from both Colombian and U.S. officials in the coming days.