THE United States Has Imposed Sanctions On Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Accusing Him Of Failing To Curb The Country’s Escalating Illegal Drug Trade. The Sanctions, Announced On Saturday, October 25, 2025, Also Target His Wife And Eldest Son.
In Addition To President Petro’s Family, The U.S. Treasury Department Has Extended Sanctions To Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, Citing Concerns Over Their Alleged Role In Allowing The Narcotics Trade To Thrive. Those Affected By The Sanctions Will Lose Access To Any Assets Or Financial Interests Within U.S. Jurisdiction.
Colombia, Once Considered One Of Washington’s Strongest Allies In The War On Drugs, Had For Years Received Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In U.S. Military And Security Assistance. However, Relations Have Sharply Deteriorated Under Petro’s Administration.
Tensions Between President Petro And U.S. President Donald Trump Have Grown Increasingly Public, With Washington Accusing Colombia Of Being A Major Global Supplier Of Cocaine And A Primary Source Of Narcotics Entering The United States — Accusations The Colombian Government Has Strongly Denied.
The Sanctions Mark A Significant Escalation In Diplomatic Friction Between The Two Nations, Potentially Impacting Regional Cooperation On Security, Anti-Narcotics Efforts, And Economic Development Across Latin America.