The U.S. State Department has revoked Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa following his controversial participation in a pro-Palestine demonstration in New York, where he reportedly encouraged violence and urged American soldiers to defy orders from former President Donald Trump.
Petro, who was in New York for the U.N. General Assembly, appeared at a protest earlier Friday. Video footage shared on social media showed him addressing American troops, allegedly inciting disobedience against Trump’s leadership. The State Department condemned his actions, citing the severity of the remarks.
During his speech at the United Nations, Petro delivered an inflammatory address comparing Trump to Adolf Hitler, further escalating tensions. The revocation of his visa has been framed as a necessary response to his provocative statements.
Petro’s comments have drawn sharp criticism, with some officials labeling his calls for military insubordination as potential acts of terrorism. The incident underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding public figures making inflammatory remarks during international diplomatic events.