The United States has decided not to certify Colombia’s efforts in countering narcotics, citing concerns over the policies of President Gustavo Petro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Colombia will not be certified under the criteria set by the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, as extended by the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025.
This decision follows a determination made by President Trump on September 15 regarding major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries for Fiscal Year 2026. In his statement, Trump said that Colombia is “failing demonstrably” to meet its responsibilities in controlling drugs. The U.S. government asserts that President Petro has continued to defend these policies despite criticism.
A statement from the Department of State reads: “The United States will not turn a blind eye to Petro’s appeasement and emboldening of narco-terrorists. We are committed to bringing terrorists and drug traffickers to justice and preventing deadly illegal drugs from entering our country. There must be no impunity for drug traffickers or acts of terrorism or violence by criminal armed groups.”
Despite this decision, U.S. officials say they remain supportive of Colombian security forces and local institutions: “We remain steadfast in our support for Colombian security forces, its justice sector, and departmental and municipal officials, and we will continue to partner with them in our joint efforts to combat drug trafficking. Today’s decision is not a reflection on these institutions but rather the failures and incompetence of Gustavo Petro and his inner circle.”
Alongside withholding certification, the United States has imposed sanctions through the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) against four Colombian nationals: President Gustavo Petro; his wife Veronica; his son Nicolás; and Minister of Interior Armando Benedetti. The sanctions target their alleged involvement in global illicit drug activities.
“Narcotics trafficking and narcoterrorism continues to fuel violence, corruption, and instability in Colombia, while also posing significant challenges to regional and international security,” according to today’s announcement.
The actions were taken under Executive Order 14059 which addresses international proliferation of illicit drugs.
For more information about today’s designations, please see Treasury’s press release.
