US imposes sanctions on Colombian President, Petro responds
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The US Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti over narcotics allegations.
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Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during the swearing-in ceremony of Gen. William Rincon as the new national police director in Bogota, Colombia, on October 24, 2025 (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)
The United States has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his son Nicolas Petro, First Lady Veronica Alcocer, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, according to a statement from the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Monday.
The move comes under Washington’s latest counter-narcotics designations, which target individuals allegedly linked to illicit financial activities.
In its announcement, OFAC confirmed that the four figures were added to the agency’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, which effectively freezes any US-based assets and prohibits American citizens and entities from engaging in transactions with them.
"The following individuals have been added to OFAC's SDN List: ALCOCER GARCIA, Veronica del Socorro ... BENEDETTI VILLANEDA, Armando Alberto ... PETRO BURGOS, Nicolas Fernando ... PETRO URREGO, Gustavo Francisco," the statement read.
The Treasury Department said the action is part of a broader US strategy to combat narcotics trafficking networks across Latin America. The US sanctions on Gustavo Petro mark one of the most significant escalations in Washington’s policy toward Colombia since Petro’s election.
Analysts noted that the decision could strain diplomatic relations between the two countries, particularly given Petro’s frequent criticism of US drug policy and his calls for regional independence in managing anti-narcotics operations.
In response, Petro posted on X saying: "Indeed, Bernie Moreno’s threat was carried out; my wife, my children, and I have been added to the OFAC list."
He added: "My defense attorney will be Dan Kovalik from the United States...Fighting drug trafficking for decades, and effectively so, has brought upon me this measure from the government of the very society we helped so much to stop their cocaine consumption."
Efectivamente la amenaza de Bernie Moreno se cumplió, yo y mis hijos y mi esposa entramos a la lista OFAC.
— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 24, 2025
Mi abogado en mi defensa será Dany Kovalik de los EEUU.
Luchar contra el narcotráfico durante décadas y con eficacia me trae está medida del gobierno de la sociedad que…
This comes after Petro affirmed that he will stand against the slander directed at him by senior US officials on American soil, stressing that he will "take legal action to defend himself against these allegations."
In his remarks, Petro indicated that he would not back down from his stance against genocide and assassinations in the Caribbean, affirming his support for human rights and his continued fight against violence in the region.
Petro also stressed that Colombia is ready to provide support in combating drug trafficking in the region, saying, "When the American community asks for our help in this area, it will receive it."
Colombian officials sharply rebuked Trump on Sunday after he labeled President Gustavo Petro “an illegal drug leader” in a Truth Social post and announced the suspension of all US aid to Colombia, a move that threatens to inflame tensions between the two governments.
