US State Department Cites 'Reckless and Incendiary Actions'
The United States announced on Friday, September 27, 2025, the revocation of the visa belonging to Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The US State Department stated the decision was a direct consequence of Petro's 'reckless and incendiary actions' during a pro-Palestinian demonstration held in New York City.
During the protest, which took place outside the United Nations headquarters while Petro was in New York for the UN General Assembly, the Colombian leader made several controversial statements. He notably urged American soldiers to 'disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity.' Additionally, Petro called for the establishment of a global armed force, which he suggested should be 'larger than that of the United States,' with the primary objective of liberating Palestinians.
Petro Dismisses Revocation, Cites European Citizenship
Upon learning of the visa revocation on Saturday, September 28, 2025, after his return to Bogota, President Petro dismissed the US decision, stating, 'I don't care.' He asserted that he does not require a US visa due to his dual European citizenship (Italian citizenship), which allows him to travel to the United States using an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Petro further accused Washington of violating international law and diplomatic immunity, arguing that presidents attending the UN General Assembly are granted total immunity. He suggested that if such actions continue, the UN headquarters should consider relocating to a 'completely neutral host country.'
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate Between Nations
The visa revocation marks a further escalation in already strained relations between Bogotá and Washington under President Petro's leadership. Petro, Colombia's first leftist president, has been a vocal critic of Israel's war in Gaza, repeatedly describing it as 'genocide,' and Colombia severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024.
The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that using visa revocation as a diplomatic tool contradicts the spirit of the UN, which upholds freedom of expression and the independence of member states during UN events. Interior Minister Armando Benedetti also publicly criticized the US decision, suggesting that the visa of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should have been revoked instead. This incident follows a recent decision by the Trump administration to decertify Colombia as an ally in the fight against drugs.
5 Comments
Bermudez
Petro's statements about a global armed force and liberating Palestinians reflect a strong, albeit controversial, stance on a critical global issue. While the US undoubtedly views his words as inflammatory, using a visa revocation as a diplomatic weapon against a sitting president sets a concerning precedent for freedom of expression at international forums.
Muchacho
Inciting US soldiers? Absolutely unacceptable. The US had every right to revoke his visa.
Bella Ciao
Good riddance! His rhetoric was dangerous and inflammatory. US shouldn't tolerate that.
Mariposa
The US has a right to control its borders and deny entry to individuals deemed a threat, but the optics of revoking a president's visa for speech at the UN are terrible. It makes Washington seem thin-skinned and could further damage international relations, particularly with Latin American nations.
Bella Ciao
A pathetic move by the US. It only highlights their fear of leaders who challenge the status quo.