Gustavo Petro's speech at the UN heightened tensions with Washington: he criticized Donald Trump, denounced attacks in the Caribbean, and spoke about Gaza. The US delegation left the venue in protest, leaving one of the most talked-about images of the General Assembly.
US delegation and departure from the premises
The Colombian president's speech was one of the most powerful moments of the day. When Petro questioned his government's decertification of its anti-drug policy and blamed Donald Trump, several U.S. representatives left the room. The gesture was captured on the official broadcast and became a trending topic on social media, amplifying the impact of the scene.
Donald Trump at the center of criticism
The Colombian president maintained that the decertification measure has no real basis and is driven by political interests. According to Petro, Washington's approach punishes poor farmers and youth while protecting those who truly benefit from the illicit business. He also accused the former president of receiving advice from Colombian politicians with ties to drug trafficking structures.
War on Drugs Under Review
In another section of Gustavo Petro's speech at the UN, the head of state argued that the international punitive strategy had failed. He defended an approach based on financial intelligence and crop substitution programs, rather than military operations. He noted that his government has extradited more than 700 drug lords, although he warned that these figures have not solved the structural problem of trafficking.
Gaza as a mirror of double standards
The president also addressed the situation in the Middle East. He described the Gaza offensive as genocide and accused the major powers of being complicit through their silence. He noted that the Assembly risks becoming a "silent witness" to crimes that should be prosecuted, and called for a stronger response from the international community.
Mixed reactions
The vice president and the Colombian delegation celebrated with applause, while several diplomatic representatives left the venue. The contrast reflected the polarization generated by the speech. On digital platforms, excerpts of the speech went viral, fueling discussions about Petro's confrontational tone.
Management balance and political message
Beyond the accusations, the president took the opportunity to review his administration's achievements: poverty reduction, a decrease in homicides, and record cocaine seizures. He also recalled his record against paramilitaries and the threats he faced as a congressman, assuring them that he will not be silenced.
Diplomatic implications
Gustavo Petro's closing speech at the UN included harsh remarks against Trump, accusing him of not speaking about democracy or life, but rather of "killing and letting others kill." The message resonated in diplomatic corridors and in international press headlines. For Bogotá, the challenge will be to sustain the agenda of peace and cooperation without completely breaking with Washington. For the United States, however, the challenge is to respond to the accusations without deepening the bilateral crisis.
A scene with regional echo
The episode was also closely followed in Latin America. Some governments interpreted the intervention as a reaffirmation of autonomy from US foreign policy. Others, however, warned that such confrontational rhetoric could generate costs in terms of investment and cooperation. The truth is that the General Assembly served as the stage for this dispute, where Petro sought to position himself as a spokesperson for the global south.
Gustavo Petro's speech at the UN not only generated immediate repercussions in the diplomatic sphere. In Colombia, pro-government sectors hailed it as an act of sovereignty and defense of the Latin American voice against the powers. The opposition, however, criticized the tone and warned of potential negative effects on relations with the United States, its main trading partner and security ally. The discussion continued in the media and academic forums, where debate raged on whether Petro's intervention strengthens the country's international standing or further isolates it.
