Colombian President Gustavo Petro has launched a scathing critique of the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy, asserting that Washington’s true motivation centers on accessing Venezuela’s vast oil reserves rather than combating drug trafficking or promoting democracy.
In an exclusive CNN interview, Petro characterized oil as “at the heart of the matter,” noting Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven petroleum reserves. “That’s a negotiation about oil. I believe that is Trump’s logic. He’s not thinking about the democratization of Venezuela, let alone the narco-trafficking,” Petro stated, challenging the official U.S. justification for increased military presence in the Caribbean and Pacific.
The Colombian leader dismissed Venezuela’s significance in global drug trafficking, citing United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data showing the country produces no cocaine and handles only a minor portion of international drug flows. Instead, Petro emphasized Colombia’s dominant role in both production and interdiction, claiming his government has seized more cocaine than any administration in history.
The relationship between Petro and Trump has deteriorated significantly since the Colombian leader returned to the White House. Tensions escalated when the U.S. State Department revoked Petro’s visa following his UN General Assembly speech where he urged American soldiers to disobey Trump and “not to point their rifles at humanity.”
Further complications emerged in October when the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Petro, alleging his involvement in the global drug trade—accusations the Colombian president vehemently denies. The sanctions followed Trump’s threat to halt all U.S. payments and subsidies to Colombia, claiming Petro “does nothing to stop” drug production.
Petro attributed the administration’s stance to personal animosity, suggesting Trump views him as “a subversive thug, a terrorist” due to his past membership in the M-19 guerrilla movement during the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite these high-level tensions, U.S. officials maintain that bilateral relations with Colombia remain strong. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that administration issues are specifically with Petro rather than Colombian institutions, noting the enduring partnership between the two nations will outlast the current leadership.