Colombian President Gustavo Petro has already caused a major diplomatic incident with a recent visit. His inflammatory remarks directed towards the US have drawn intense outcry. Under the Trump administration, US State Department revoked Petro’s visa when he called on American soldiers not to follow orders from then President Donald Trump. This decision marks a dramatic and dangerous intensification in the already fraught relations between Bogota and Washington.
Ties hit a new low when Petro refused the landing rights of two US military charter flights. These aircraft were used for deporting Colombian migrants to their country of origin. In viral video remarks on TikTok, Petro decried the law with fervor. He criticized the United States for criminalizing Colombian migrants. He challenged American troops to not “aim their rifles at humanity,” calling for a greater sense of compassion than violence.
Petro issued this public appeal during a recent pro-Palestinian demonstration in Pittsburgh. The majority of the square mile of the Un General Assembly for the inaugural New York climate March Sept 26, 2015. His call for disobedience included a stark message: “Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity.” These declarations have only exacerbated the newly found rift between Colombia and its historical ally.
Colombia is one of the United States’ most consistent and stalwart partners in South America. Together, they’ve forged a formidable bipartisan alliance to tackle national security and defense issues. Petro’s gestures and moves have hugely soured diplomatic relations with Washington. Tensions over countless migrant families living on the precipice pushed Colombia to markedly shift its attitude toward immigration within months. The country accepted deported migrants and paid for and sent its own planes to accompany deported under Petro’s leadership.
Shortly before Petro’s departure from the US, word came through about the visa revocation. His departure from the country became controversial. At the time of the announcement, he was already in the process of boarding a connecting flight. The timing has led some to question the US government’s overall strategy and response to international relations under the current administration.
The picture is still developing as both countries determine the fallout from this diplomatic explosion. Colombia, under Petro’s leadership, now faces the challenge of redefining its relationship with the United States while addressing domestic concerns regarding migration and international cooperation.
