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Colombian President Petro Seeks US Support to Lift Sanctions from Trump

KVIA•Friday, July 3, 2026 at 6:37 PM•CNN Newsource

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In a recent phone call, Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged U.S. President Donald Trump to assist in removing sanctions imposed on him by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). These sanctions, which were enacted last October due to alleged involvement in global drug trafficking, have significant implications for Petro and his family, blocking their assets in the U.S. Petro expressed surprise that Trump was unaware of his continued inclusion on the OFAC list and noted that Trump promised to address the issue. The conversation also touched on commitments related to the voluntary eradication of coca crops, with funding set to expire at the end of the year. This dialogue occurs as Colombia prepares for a leadership transition following the election of right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who will take office on August 7.

Key Details: • Petro requested support to be removed from the OFAC list during the call. • Sanctions were imposed in October 2022, affecting Petro and his family. • Funding for coca crop eradication programs ends on December 31. • Abelardo de la Espriella will assume the Colombian presidency on August 7.

trump sanctions colombia drug-trafficking petro

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpGustavo PetroDepartment of TreasuryAbelardo de la EspriellaArmando BenedettiOffice of Foreign Assets Control

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