MATTHEW LEE and FATIMA HUSSEIN.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaks during the swearing-in ceremony of Gen. William Rincon as the new national police director in Bogota, Colombia, Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Ivan Valencia)

US imposes sanctions on Colombia’s president and family members over drug trade allegations

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro, his family, and a government member over drug trade allegations. The Treasury Department announced the penalties Friday, escalating tensions with Colombia, a key U.S. ally in South America. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused Petro of allowing drug cartels to flourish. Petro has denied the allegations and plans to defend himself in U.S. courts. The move follows Trump’s threats to cut aid and impose tariffs on Colombia. Petro has criticized U.S. military actions targeting drug traffickers in the region.

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