The U.S. State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, recalled Chargé d’Affaires ad interim John McNamara from Bogotá on July 3. Rubio cited “baseless and reprehensible statements from the highest levels” of the Colombian government as the cause, signaling a major breakdown in diplomatic relations.
President Gustavo Petro responded swiftly by recalling Colombia’s ambassador to Washington, Daniel García‑Peña, to reassess cooperation on security, migration, drug policy, and climate efforts. His actions underscore a mutual rollback in diplomatic engagement.
The U.S. State Department released a statement which included the following:
“In addition to the recall of the Chargé, the United States is pursuing other measures to make clear our deep concern over the current state of our bilateral relationship… Despite policy differences with the current government, Colombia remains an essential strategic partner… We are committed to close cooperation on a range of shared priorities, including regional security and stability, and we remain engaged in efforts that improve the lives of Americans and Colombians alike.”
The flashpoint: leaked audio involving former Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, allegedly arranging U.S. congressmen support for a coup plot against Petro. While Rubio and McNamara condemned the statements from “high government levels,” neither named names. Petro then accused “right-wing extremists” of orchestrating violence, including the shooting of opposition senator Miguel Uribe, an incident Rubio tied to inflammatory rhetoric.
Tensions have been building over Petro’s left‑leaning reforms: overhauls to U.S.-backed anti‑drug strategies, refusal to accept deportation flights (despite Trump’s threats of heavy tariffs), halting extraditions and lowering coca eradication targets. These moves have strained longstanding U.S.–Colombia strategic ties.
Both nations are pursuing consultations amid elevated diplomatic caution. While shared priorities such as narcotics combat and migration remain critical, the recall signals a sharp rupture in trust. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to working with the Colombian people but will not overlook what it views as distorted and hostile government claims.
