Colombian President Gustavo Petro has sharply criticized Washington after the United States revoked his visa, accusing the Biden administration of undermining international law in response to his outspoken condemnation of Israel’s war in Gaza.
“I no longer have a visa to travel to the United States. I don’t care. I don’t need a visa … because I’m not only a Colombian citizen but a European citizen, and I truly consider myself a free person in the world,” Petro wrote on social media Saturday. He argued that revoking his visa “for denouncing genocide” showed the US had abandoned respect for international law.
The move came days after Petro addressed pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside UN headquarters in New York during the General Assembly. There, he urged the formation of a global armed force to “liberate Palestinians” and called on US soldiers to “disobey the orders of Trump” and instead “obey the orders of humanity.”
The US State Department defended its decision, describing Petro’s comments as “reckless and incendiary.” Colombia’s foreign affairs ministry responded by condemning the use of visa revocation as a diplomatic weapon, arguing that it violates the spirit of the UN, which guarantees independence and freedom of expression for member states.
This is not the first time a Colombian president has faced such action. In 1996, former president Ernesto Samper had his US visa revoked over allegations of cartel financing in his election campaign.
Relations between Bogotá and Washington have grown increasingly strained since Donald Trump returned to office. Earlier this year, Petro temporarily blocked US deportation flights, prompting threats of tariffs before a deal was reached. In July, both nations recalled their ambassadors after Petro accused US officials of plotting a coup—claims Washington dismissed as baseless.
Petro has also taken a hard line against Israel, cutting diplomatic ties in 2024 and banning Colombian coal exports to the country.
The escalating rift highlights growing geopolitical tensions as Petro positions himself as a vocal critic of US foreign policy and a defender of the Palestinian cause.
