The United States moved to revoke the U.S. visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro after his appearance at a pro-Palestine protest outside the U.N. in New York, where he urged American soldiers to “disobey” President Donald Trump and backed a global force to “liberate Palestinians.” Washington labeled his actions “reckless and incendiary,” escalating tensions with Bogotá.

What Sparked the Revocation

Speaking to demonstrators near U.N. headquarters, Petro said a global armed force “has to be bigger than that of the United States,” adding: “Disobey the orders of Trump. Obey the orders of humanity.” Video of the remarks circulated widely as U.S. officials weighed a response that culminated in the visa decision.

State Department’s Justification

U.S. officials said Petro’s comments were “reckless and incendiary,” citing his call for soldiers to reject orders during a heated political moment. The department publicly signaled the revocation decision, a rare move against a sitting head of state and a step that underscores sharpening U.S. red lines around protests tied to the Gaza war.

Petro’s Response and Legal Questions

Petro has framed his stance as a moral appeal amid the Gaza conflict and has previously noted he holds Italian citizenship, reducing practical dependence on a U.S. visa. His speech to the U.N. this week accused Washington of being “complicit in genocide,” comments that fed the dispute and raised fresh debate over diplomatic access during U.N. week.

Strained Ties and the UNGA Backdrop

Relations were already fraying over drug-control cooperation and migration disputes. The move follows a broader U.S. tightening of visas for figures linked to the Israel-Palestine file, including recent actions against Palestinian officials during the U.N. General Assembly period, signaling a hard line as multiple states move toward recognizing Palestinian statehood.