US Sanctions Left-Wing Colombian President Petro Amid Drug Trafficking Accusations

Tue Oct 28 2025 09:06:58 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a surprising turn of events, the United States has imposed sanctions on Colombia's president, Gustavo Petro, blaming him for the increase in drug trafficking. The sanctions extend to key members of Petro's family and government.

The US has enacted sanctions against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, citing his alleged failure to combat the growing drug trade. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claims that under Petro's leadership, cocaine production in Colombia has surged, leading to severe implications in the US. Sanctions also target his Interior Minister and family members, amidst rising tensions between Petro's administration and the US government, particularly under President Trump. Petro refutes the accusations and claims to have historically fought against the drug trade.

The US has placed sanctions on Colombia's left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, accusing him of failing to curb drug trafficking.

President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated.

Sanctions have also been imposed on Colombia's Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, as well as Petro's wife and eldest son, which includes barring them from accessing assets and properties in the US.

Colombia was once a close ally of Washington's war on drugs, receiving substantial military aid, but relations have soured amidst Petro's administration.

Bessent insisted that cocaine production in Colombia has exploded to the highest rate in decades, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans. He indicated that Trump's administration is taking strong action against drug trafficking.

Petro has vehemently denied the accusations, claiming he has fought against drug trafficking for years and pointing to efforts he made alongside the US to reduce cocaine consumption. He dismissed the US military actions, asserting violations of Colombian sovereignty, and has framed them as acts of tyranny.

Sanctions on heads of states are rare and have been previously imposed on leaders from countries like Russia, North Korea, and Venezuela. With America tightening its military operations in response to drug trafficking, the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, leaving the US-Colombia alliance in a precarious position.