Overview
- OFAC designated Gustavo Petro along with First Lady Veronica Alcocer, his son Nicolas Petro, and Interior Minister Armando Benedetti under counternarcotics authorities.
- The action blocks any property and interests in property within U.S. jurisdiction and extends to entities 50% or more owned by the listed individuals.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said cocaine production in Colombia has surged to decades‑high levels and accused Petro of allowing cartels to flourish, with President Trump backing the move.
- Petro acknowledged the sanctions, said attorney Daniel Kovalik will represent him, and characterized the measure as a paradox in a post on X.
- The step intensifies a widening rift in U.S.–Colombia relations following recent U.S. strikes on suspected smuggling vessels that left several Colombians dead.