The Colombian president expressed shock over the revocation of his U.S. visa. He also responded by revealing a surprising nickname for Trump.
President Gustavo Petro’s revoked U.S. visa highlights growing diplomatic strain between Colombia and the Trump administration.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro says his U.S. visa was unexpectedly revoked
President Petro revealed during a cabinet meeting that his visa was likely revoked.
It prevented his attendance at high-level meetings in Washington, D.C.
He also alleged that the Trump administration revoked his visa after he planned to attend events hosted by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Instead, he was unexpectedly replaced by Finance Minister Germán Avila
Petro told his ministers, “I didn’t need a visa, but hey, I’ve seen Donald Duck several times,” in a cryptic remark about the situation.
He added: ‘I didn’t need a visa, but hey, I’ve seen Donald Duck several times. So, I’m off to see other things.’
The visa revocation follows a diplomatic standoff over deportation flights
Tensions escalated in January after Colombia blocked two U.S. military flights carrying deported migrants.
It strained relations with the Trump administration.
The flights carried 160 handcuffed Colombian nationals.
Colombia’s refusal to accept them sparked fury from Trump and his allies in Washington.
Trump swiftly announced retaliatory action, threatening 25 percent tariffs and visa bans.
He also warned of further economic and diplomatic sanctions against Colombia’s government.’
‘I have directed my Administration to immediately take the following urgent and decisive retaliatory measures,’ Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
Trump declares travel bans and visa revocations on Petro’s government
Former President Donald Trump posted online that Petro’s government and all affiliated officials and allies would face immediate visa sanctions. He also announced travel bans for them
His Truth Social message stated, “All ‘party members, family members, and supporters of the Colombian government’ also will face visa sanctions.”
Trump was reported to target Petro’s administration, party members, and even family members.
The U.S. Department of State has yet to issue an official comment on the timing or specifics of Petro’s reported visa revocation.
Petro responded by threatening tariffs on U.S. Goods, then backed down
In response, Petro initially announced reciprocal 25 percent tariffs on U.S. imports but later agreed to resume accepting deported migrants from the U.S.
The move aimed to deescalate tensions amid mounting pressure and public scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
Previous engagements between Petro and the U.S. show a shift in relations
President Petro had previously enjoyed diplomatic engagement with the United States.
He attended climate summits and the United Nations General Assembly in 2024.
Petro was also welcomed at the White House by President Joe Biden in April 2023.
This visit signaled a brief period of warming relations
However, recent policy disagreements, particularly over immigration and trade, have driven a sharp wedge between the two governments.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Petro initially agreed to the deportation flights. Then, they canceled them while the planes were airborne.
This accusation fueled further outrage in Washington and accelerated the imposition of sanctions, including the revocation of travel privileges.
In short, Petro’s decision was widely seen as a direct challenge to U.S. immigration policy.