Colombian President Gustavo Petro, known for his leftist ideals and unorthodox political trajectory, recently found himself at the center of an intense diplomatic standoff with the United States. At issue was his refusal to allow US military planes carrying deported Colombians to land on Colombian soil. This decision led to sharp retaliation from then-US President Donald Trump, who threatened economic sanctions, including tariffs on Colombian imports. Though the crisis was resolved within hours, it highlighted the complexities of Petro’s leadership style and the challenges he faces as Colombia’s first left-wing president.
From Rebel Roots to National Leadership
Gustavo Petro’s rise to power is a story deeply tied to Colombia’s turbulent political history. Born in 1960 in the small town of Ciénaga de Oro in the northern province of Córdoba, Petro grew up in modest circumstances. His formative years were marked by an acute awareness of social inequality, which drove him to join the 19th of April Movement (M-19), a Marxist guerrilla organization that sought to challenge Colombia’s traditional political elite.
Petro’s involvement with M-19 was pivotal, but it also brought controversy. The group was notorious for its armed activities, including a 1985 attack on Colombia’s Palace of Justice, which led to the deaths of over 100 people. While Petro’s exact role in such events remains a topic of debate, his affiliation with M-19 shaped his ideology and political approach. Following the group’s demobilization in 1990, Petro transitioned into legal politics, determined to promote social justice and challenge the status quo through institutional means.
Petro’s academic pursuits also reflect his intellectual approach to governance. He studied economics at the Universidad Externado de Colombia and later completed graduate studies at the Escuela Superior de Administración Pública (ESAP). These experiences laid the foundation for his policy-oriented approach to politics, which often emphasizes economic reform and reducing inequality.
A Meteoric Political Rise
Petro began his political career in the 1990s as a congressman, gaining national recognition for his efforts to expose corruption and the connections between government officials and paramilitary groups. His 2006 election to the Senate was particularly significant, as it allowed him to amplify his criticisms of Colombia’s entrenched political establishment.
In 2011, Petro’s political journey took a dramatic turn when he was elected mayor of Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and one of its most influential cities. His tenure, which began in January 2012, was a mixed bag of ambitious reforms and logistical challenges. Petro implemented policies aimed at improving public services, such as waste management and affordable housing, and sought to reduce inequality in the city. However, his administration faced significant criticism for alleged inefficiency and controversial decisions, such as the abrupt overhaul of Bogotá’s garbage collection system.
Despite setbacks, Petro’s mayoral tenure solidified his reputation as a transformative, if polarizing, figure. In 2018, he made his first run for the presidency but narrowly lost. His second attempt in 2022 was successful, marking a watershed moment in Colombian politics. For the first time, the country’s leadership shifted decisively to the left.
A Presidency Defined by Challenges
Since taking office, Petro has faced significant hurdles in implementing his ambitious reform agenda. His administration’s early days were marked by high approval ratings, with nearly half of Colombians expressing optimism about his leadership. However, by March 2023, his approval ratings had plummeted, with 53% of Colombians disapproving of his performance. Discontent has been particularly pronounced in urban centers like Bogotá and in eastern regions, where critics have accused Petro of failing to deliver on his promises.
Petro’s presidency has also been marred by scandals. The most damaging of these was the “Nannygate” controversy, which implicated high-ranking officials in his administration. Leaked recordings suggested illicit campaign financing and potential corruption, leading to the resignation of Petro’s ambassador to Venezuela, Armando Benedetti, and his chief of staff, Laura Sarabia. These developments fueled public skepticism about Petro’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The US-Colombia Trade Standoff
The diplomatic dispute with the United States in January 2025 was a defining moment in Petro’s presidency. His refusal to accept US military planes carrying deported Colombian nationals was framed as a stand for dignity and sovereignty. Petro argued that deportations should be conducted on civilian aircraft to ensure a more humane process.
However, the move provoked a swift and harsh response from President Trump. The US imposed sweeping sanctions on Colombia, including visa restrictions for Colombian officials, heightened customs inspections, and a 25% tariff on Colombian imports. Petro’s initial response was combative, with threats of reciprocal tariffs on US goods. But faced with mounting economic pressure, he ultimately agreed to accept the deported citizens.
The incident underscored the delicate balance Petro must strike in managing Colombia’s relationship with the United States, its largest trading partner. While his defiance resonated with some of his supporters, others viewed the episode as a miscalculation that risked Colombia’s economic stability.
Personal Life and Legacy
Petro’s personal life is as complex as his political career. He is married to Verónica Alcocer, a lawyer and social advocate, with whom he has two daughters, Sofía and Antonella. He also has three children from previous relationships: Nicolás, Andrea, and Andrés. Petro has often credited his family with grounding him amid the pressures of political life.
As Colombia’s first leftist president, Gustavo Petro represents a seismic shift in the nation’s political landscape. His administration’s success will depend on his ability to balance his reformist vision with the practical challenges of governance, including economic management, social unrest, and international diplomacy. Whether Petro’s presidency will be remembered as a transformative era or a divisive chapter remains uncertain, but his impact on Colombia’s political narrative is undeniable.
