colombianherald.com

The executive order of the Donald Trump government that included President Gustavo Petro and members of his close circle on the Clinton List (OFAC) is due to concern about the supposed “benefits” that the “Total Peace” policy would be granting to criminal organizations dedicated to drug trafficking, as established by El Espectador after consulting sources involved in the decision.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent publicly justified the move, noting that Petro “has allowed drug cartels to flourish and has refused to stop this activity.” Bessent added that the action seeks to protect the United States and make clear that they will not tolerate drug trafficking.

OFAC Does Not Accuse Drug Trafficking, But “Sponsoring”

Sources from the US offices clarified to El Espectador that the executive order does not necessarily seek to designate Petro and his collaborators as direct drug traffickers, but as “sponsors” or “helpers” of criminal networks through executive decisions.

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The White House directly links the “Total Peace” policies — which included ceasefires and suspensions of extradition orders — to the dramatic increase in coca leaf crops (253,000 hectares) and the 53% rebound in cocaine production in 2023. In addition, the Trump government views with extreme concern the closeness of the Petro administration to the regime of Nicolás Maduro, accused of being behind the Cartel of the Suns.

Immediate Sanctions and Consequences in the Petro Government

The scope of the OFAC sanctions extended to the president’s wife, Verónica Alcocer, and the Minister of the Interior, Armando Benedetti. In the case of Alcocer, it was explained that the measure is routine for spouses and family members who could benefit financially. However, in the case of Nicolás Petro Burgos, the inclusion had greater weight due to the investigation against him for alleged money laundering and illicit enrichment, also linked to the 2022 campaign financing dossier.

The financial impact was immediate. Minister Benedetti confirmed this Monday that the sanction has hit him “very hard”: “They blocked my credit card and it is possible that they will close my account,” he revealed.

While the Colombian Government, through the UIAF, rejected the Clinton List as a violation of due process, Petro has defended its fight against drug trafficking, although the Trump administration maintains that the president’s executive actions have, in practice, encouraged organized crime.

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