U.S. Pressure on Venezuela: A Focus on Oil, According to Colombian President Gustavo Petro

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has asserted that the Trump administration's pressure campaign on Venezuela is primarily driven by a desire to access the country's vast oil reserves rather than a genuine effort to combat drug trafficking. In an exclusive interview, Petro emphasized that oil is "at the heart of the matter," arguing that the U.S. is not focused on democratization or drug issues in Venezuela, which he claims is not a significant producer of drugs. He stated, “Venezuela is not considered a major drug producer,” highlighting that only a small portion of the global drug trade flows through the country.

Colombian President: Oil at Heart of US Pressure Campaign on VenezuelaCNN

Petro has been openly critical of U.S. policies under Trump, particularly regarding immigration and military actions in Latin America. He characterized U.S. actions as imperialistic, stating, “The United States cannot be considered an empire, but one of the nations among others.” His criticism intensified following the revocation of his U.S. visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that could lead to oppression. This incident is part of a broader pattern of tensions between Petro and the Trump administration, which has included sanctions imposed by the U.S. Treasury, accusing him of involvement in the global illicit drug trade—a claim Petro has firmly rejected.

Colombian President: Oil at Heart of US Pressure Campaign on VenezuelaCNN

In response to allegations regarding his government's effectiveness in combating drug trafficking, Petro defended his administration's record, claiming it has seized more cocaine than any previous government. He noted that the growth in cocaine seizures has outpaced the stagnation of coca crop production. Petro attributed Trump's lack of acknowledgment of these efforts to personal pride, suggesting that Trump views him as a "subversive thug" due to his past as a member of the M-19 guerrilla movement.

Colombian President: Oil at Heart of US Pressure Campaign on Venezuela

Despite the tensions between Petro and the Trump administration, U.S.-Colombia relations remain largely intact. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department has called for thorough investigations into allegations of corruption involving Colombian officials and drug trafficking. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that the administration's issues are with Petro personally, not with Colombia's institutions or its people, reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations.

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While Petro has denied any significant links between Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and drug trafficking, he acknowledged that ties between Colombian officials and drug traffickers have existed historically. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has stated that Venezuela does not appear on coca production maps, with the majority of cocaine trafficking originating from Colombia.

CNNColombian President: Oil at Heart of US Pressure Campaign on Venezuela

• “(Oil) is at the heart of the matter,” — Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia

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• “Because of pride. Because he thinks I’m a subversive thug, a terrorist, and things like that, simply because I was a member of the M-19,” — Gustavo Petro, on Trump’s perception of him

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• “The United States cannot be considered an empire, but one of the nations among others,” — Gustavo Petro, on U.S. foreign policy

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This ongoing conflict highlights the complexities of U.S.-Latin American relations, particularly regarding issues of drug trafficking and resource access.

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