By Ata Ur Rahmen 
Gustavo Petro Visa Cancelled by U.S. After UNGA Speech
Gustavo Petro visa cancelled – The United States has revoked Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa after his controversial remarks in New York. The U.S. State Department said Petro’s comments encouraged U.S. soldiers to disobey orders, a move Washington described as “provocative and irresponsible.”
Petro’s Speech Against Trump
Petro was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 2025) when he joined a pro-Palestine demonstration. In his fiery speech, he declared:
“I ask all U.S. soldiers not to point their guns at the people. Do not follow Trump’s orders — follow the orders of humanity.”
While his words drew applause from protesters, U.S. officials viewed them as an unacceptable call for military disobedience. Soon after, the U.S. announced Gustavo Petro visa cancelled as a consequence.
Support for Palestine
At the UNGA, Petro went further. He accused Trump of enabling “genocide in Gaza” and demanded legal accountability for U.S. missile strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which Washington claims were tied to drug smuggling.
On X (formerly Twitter), Petro wrote: “Free Palestine. If Gaza falls, humanity will die.” His message spread widely, solidifying his stance as one of the most outspoken world leaders on the issue.
U.S. Justification and Past Actions
The U.S. State Department posted a statement explaining that Petro’s visa was revoked due to his “reckless and inflammatory rhetoric.” Officials stressed that encouraging disobedience in the U.S. military cannot be tolerated.
This is not the first time Washington has acted this way. Just two weeks earlier, it also cancelled the visa of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation ahead of their New York visit.
Diplomatic Fallout for U.S.–Colombia Relations
The decision to have Gustavo Petro visa cancelled may strain Washington’s ties with Bogotá. Colombia has long been a close U.S. ally, particularly in anti-narcotics operations. But under Petro’s leadership, Colombia has leaned toward leftist policies and regional independence.
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Latin American reactions: Some leaders criticized the U.S. for overstepping diplomatic boundaries.
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Pro-Palestinian groups: They hailed Petro as “a voice of justice.”
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Analysts: Warned this could weaken Colombia’s role as a U.S. partner.