Colombian President Gustavo Petro has lost his US visa after making remarks in New York that urged American soldiers to ignore orders from President Donald Trump. Petro, a former guerrilla fighter turned head of state, used both the UN General Assembly and street rallies to attack US policy, sparking global attention. President Trump responded quickly by blocking his entry, calling Petro’s actions reckless and dangerous for American security.
Key Takeaways
- President Trump revoked Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s US visa after remarks that encouraged US soldiers to disobey orders.
- Petro accused Trump of “genocidal complicity” in Gaza and compared his climate stance to “Hitler-like denial.”
- X posts on the issue tripled this week, with hashtags like #PetroVisaRevoked trending.
- Petro’s approval ratings in Colombia have dropped to 30% amid scandals and rising crime.
- The move highlights Trump’s firm stance on national security and foreign interference.
Petro’s Speech At The UN
On September 23, President Petro delivered a fiery speech at the UN General Assembly. He accused the US of “genocidal complicity” in Gaza, criticized drug war strategies, and compared climate policies under Trump to a “Hitler-like” threat. He also backed a resolution seeking an international force against what he called genocide.
The US delegation walked out, signaling clear rejection of his remarks. Social media reaction was swift, with many users branding him a “UN clown” and citing his violent past in the M-19 guerrilla movement.
Rally In New York And Calls For US Military Defiance
Just three days later, on September 26, Petro appeared at a pro-Palestinian rally outside UN headquarters. Wearing a keffiyeh, he announced plans for Colombian volunteers to fight in Palestine and declared he would join if necessary. He then urged US soldiers to “disobey Trump’s orders”, a statement widely seen as a call for sedition.
The State Department responded by revoking his visa immediately, stressing that such rhetoric is unacceptable. Trump’s team called it direct incitement against the US military.
Petro’s Escalating Actions
| Date | Event | Trump’s Response |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 23 | UN speech attacking Trump on Gaza and drugs | US delegation walks out |
| Sept 26 | Rally urging US military defiance | Visa revoked; ties strained |
| Ongoing | Scandals and links to Venezuela’s Maduro | Colombia on drug-fail list |
Domestic Troubles For Petro
Back in Colombia, Petro faces a 30% approval rating as scandals pile up. His son is under investigation for money laundering, and critics accuse him of erratic behavior. Online, many Colombians call him “drunk and unstable,” linking him to past guerrilla activities and current drug trade failures.
Colombia remains the world’s top cocaine producer, yet Petro has blamed the US for “tyranny” instead of addressing gangs at home. His recent alignment with leaders like Maduro and Lula has added to concerns about his foreign policy direction.
What This Means For The US
Trump’s visa revocation sends a strong signal: foreign leaders who threaten US troops will face consequences. The decision has gained wide traction online, with over 50,000 mentions of #PetroVisaRevoked across platforms.
For Trump supporters, the move underscores his America First stance – protecting borders, strengthening alliances, and refusing to tolerate foreign interference in US military matters.
Petro’s calls for mutiny may have energized his base, but in Washington they were seen as reckless and unacceptable. By acting quickly, Trump reinforced his reputation for direct, decisive action on matters of security.
Conclusion
The clash between President Trump and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro highlights a wider struggle between US security interests and radical foreign leaders. By revoking Petro’s visa, Trump has drawn a firm line, showing that challenges to American sovereignty and military discipline will not be tolerated.
Trump’s action is both symbolic and practical – a clear message that the US will defend its troops, its policies, and its global standing without compromise.
