Colombian president accuses US of “extortion” over Latin America policy

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has said that the refusal of the Donald Trump administration to reconsider its policy toward Latin America could trigger an “uprising” in the region, according to an interview with El País.

Responding to a question about whether the world is living in an era of neocolonialism, Petro pointed to what he described as US double standards and pressure tactics comparable to historical Spanish expansion. 

“When I was placed on the OFAC list, I realized that this anti-drug tool had become political. It is being used as a mechanism of extortion against those who express a different policy,” Petro said.

He stated that Washington uses blacklists and sanctions to pressure disfavored governments, threatening countries with economic isolation and even military intervention in a Venezuelan scenario. “It is a system similar to that which existed under the Spanish king centuries ago. And what was Latin America’s reaction? An uprising. That is exactly what will happen now if the US government fails to rethink its relations with Latin America,” the Colombian leader warned.

Petro also referred to the bombing of Caracas in early 2026 as a historical trauma for the continent. “Caracas is the first Latin American city to have been bombed in history; even Panama was not bombed. This has left a wound that today’s leaders perceive with fear and submission,” he said.

Addressing the possibility of US military pressure on Colombia, Petro confirmed that relations with Trump remain “good” despite past disagreements.

“I do not intend to attack the United States, and Trump does not seem to intend to bother Colombia. I spoke with him twice recently. Our meeting broke certain false stereotypes about Colombia and about me,” he added.

By Jeyhun Aghazada