NEW YORK – Colombian President Gustavo Petro faces two separate criminal investigations by US federal prosecutors in Manhattan and Brooklyn, sources reveal, probing potential meetings with drug traffickers and campaign donations from narco figures.
The early-stage inquiries, involving DEA agents and Homeland Security Investigations specialists in international narcotics, stem from concerns over Petro’s 2022 presidential bid. No charges have emerged, and there’s no evidence of White House involvement, though President Donald Trump’s public barbs, labeling Petro a “sick man” could amplify pressure on Colombia, the world’s top cocaine producer.
Trump, leveraging legal tools in foreign policy, has clashed with Petro since his second term began. Tensions peaked with visa revocations, tariffs threats, military overflights blocked, and US sanctions on Petro’s family after accusations of enabling cartels. A fragile détente followed a January phone call brokered by Senator Rand Paul, post the US raid capturing Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro on drug charges.
Petro denies all links, highlighting his anti-coca efforts and peace talks with guerrillas. His son admitted illicit funds tainted the 2022 campaign, but no charges hit the president, whom outlets tie to trafficker attempts at influence. As Colombia’s May elections loom, Petro backing a successor, Trump’s scrutiny may sway outcomes amid a regional right-wing surge. Prosecutors and agencies declined comment; Petro’s office didn’t respond.