247 - Colombian President Gustavo Petro reacted harshly this Friday (24) to the sanctions imposed by the United States government, stating that he “will not take a step back and will never kneel” before Washington. The measure, announced by the US Treasury Department, includes Petro, his wife Verónica Alcocer, his son Nicolás Petro and Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti, under the allegation of involvement in activities linked to drug trafficking.

Effectively, Bernie Moreno's threat was fulfilled, my husband and wife entered the OFAC list.

My lawyer in my defense will be Dany Kovalik from the United States.

Fighting against drug trafficking for decades and effectively betrays me this measure of the government of the society that…

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) October 24, 2025

In a statement, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) reported that the targets had their assets and interests frozen in the United States and are prohibited from engaging in transactions with U.S. citizens or companies. The action was taken pursuant to Executive Order 14059, which authorizes sanctions against foreign individuals involved in the international production or trade of illicit drugs.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that since Petro's rise to power,"cocaine production in Colombia has exploded to record levels, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans." He said the Colombian president "has allowed drug cartels to thrive and refused to stop this activity."

"Today, President Trump is taking firm action to protect our nation and make clear that we will not tolerate drug trafficking on our soil," Bessent said.

Since President Gustavo Petro came to power, cocaine production in Colombia has exploded to record high rates, flooding the United States and poisoning Americans. President Petro has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity. Today, President Trump is… https://t.co/8ONvbFFPFr

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) October 24, 2025

Petro: “Not a step back and never on your knees”

In response, Gustavo Petro used his X profile (formerly Twitter) to confirm that he and his family members had been added to the OFAC list. The Colombian president called the decision"a great paradoxical injustice" and announced that he will be represented in the United States by attorney Danny Kovalik.

"Indeed, Bernie Moreno's threat has come to fruition: my children, my wife, and I have been added to the OFAC list. My attorney will be Danny Kovalik, from the United States. Fighting drug trafficking effectively for decades brings me this measure from the government of the society we so greatly helped curb cocaine consumption. A paradox, but not a step back and never on our knees," Petro wrote.

The president was referring to Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, a Colombian national and a key ally of the Trump administration. Moreno, elected from Ohio in 2024, had publicly advocated for Petro's inclusion on the OFAC sanctions list.

Sanctions hit Petro's family and allies

In addition to Petro, his wife, and his son, Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti was also included in the sanctions. The U.S. Treasury cited leaked audio recordings from 2023 in which Benedetti discusses campaign financing and vote-trading.

The Treasury note also alleges that Nicolás Petro, the president's son, received money from people linked to drug trafficking during the presidential campaign, and that Verónica Alcocer was unconstitutionally appointed to a diplomatic role.