Colombia's President Petro asks Trump to lift U.S. sanctions

On July 3 2026 Colombian President Gustavo Petro spoke by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump, requesting that the United States remove him and his family from the Office of Foreign Assets Control’s “Clinton list” of sanctions. Petro, added to the list in October 2025, said the designation restricts international financial transactions and has harmed his administration’s diplomatic standing. Trump indicated he was unaware that Petro remained on the list and pledged to “act” on the request, though no decision has been announced.

The leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation on drug control, noting that Colombia has eradicated about 30,000 hectares of illicit crops and aims for 41,000 hectares by the end of 2026. Petro defended his “total peace” strategy amid U.S. criticism that it might aid armed groups. The call occurred as Colombia prepares for a transition to newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella, who is expected to adopt a security stance more aligned with Washington.