Petro Urges Trump to Distance from Netanyahu Amidst Rising Global Tensions

During the funeral of civil rights activist Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago, Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to reassess his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Petro warned that Netanyahu’s actions are leading “humanity to the abyss” and urged Trump to separate himself from the Israeli leader’s policies.

Petro’s Remarks at Jackson’s Funeral

Speaking in Spanish at the funeral service, Petro stated, “Today is the moment for the President of the United States (…) to be able to completely separate himself from whoever is leading him and humanity to an abyss.” He specifically criticized those he believes are “launching missiles against boys and girls on planet Earth,” referencing the ongoing military offensive in the Middle East as reported by De Último Minuto.

Petro framed his comments as a tribute to Jackson, whom he described as “a living symbol of the struggle for freedom” for Afro-descendant peoples in the Americas. Jackson, a close associate of Martin Luther King Jr., passed away on February 17th after a battle with progressive supranuclear palsy.

Trump’s Recent Statements and Meetings

Also on March 6, 2026, Donald Trump told CNN that Cuba’s government “is going to fall pretty soon” and its leaders “seek to make a deal so badly,” echoing similar sentiments expressed at a White House event the previous day according to NBC News.

Trump recently met behind closed doors with Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss the situation in Iran, but details of the meeting were not publicly disclosed as reported by Roll Call. Trump indicated a preference for continued negotiations with Iran regarding its nuclear program.

U.S. Visa Review

Previously, in September 2025, the United States announced its intention to revoke Colombian President Petro’s visa due to his participation in a pro-Palestinian demonstration and his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu according to Reuters.

Key Takeaways

• Colombian President Gustavo Petro urged Donald Trump to distance himself from Benjamin Netanyahu during Jesse Jackson’s funeral.
• Petro expressed concerns that Netanyahu’s policies are escalating global tensions.
• Donald Trump recently predicted the imminent fall of the Cuban government and held private talks with Netanyahu regarding Iran.
• The U.S. Previously moved to revoke Petro’s visa following his criticism of Netanyahu.