U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro Amid Drug Policy Disputes

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his wife, son, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, accusing them of failing to curb Colombia's cocaine production and of providing benefits to criminal organizations under the "Total Peace" plan.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "Since President Gustavo Petro came to power, cocaine production in Colombia has exploded to the highest rate in decades, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans."

In response, President Petro expressed defiance, writing on social media, "Not one step back and never on my knees."

The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets of the designated individuals and prohibit U.S. entities from conducting business with them.

This action marks a significant escalation in tensions between the U.S. and Colombia, following previous disputes over drug policy and military actions against suspected drug trafficking vessels.