Tensions escalate between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and U.S. President Donald Trump following a U.S. operation in Venezuela, with Petro taunting Trump and warning against military action in Colombia, amid accusations of drug trafficking and threats of further U.S. interventions in the region.
The US has imposed sanctions on Colombian President Petro and his family over drug cartel links, marking a rare move against a sitting leader and highlighting ongoing tensions related to Colombia's drug industry and Petro's criticisms of US military and foreign policies. Petro responded by condemning the sanctions and reaffirming his stance against drug trafficking and US interventions.
Colombia's President Petro called for a criminal process against Trump over missile strikes, while Zelenskyy offered to nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize if he ends the war in Ukraine. Trump faced technical issues during his UN speech, questioned the UN's purpose, and criticized climate change policies. Zelenskyy suggested China could pressure Russia to end its invasion of Ukraine, and other world leaders discussed Iran's nuclear talks, Gaza conflict, and recognition of Palestinian statehood. The summit also featured debates on climate change, international conflicts, and diplomatic efforts.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized the US for adding Colombia to a list of countries failing to combat drug trafficking, accusing the US of interfering in Colombian politics. The US decertified Colombia's efforts in the drug war, citing increased cocaine production and lack of progress, but waived sanctions. Petro responded by asserting Colombia's sovereignty and criticizing US policies, amid rising tensions and a surge in coca cultivation.
Keith's tweet about NASA's intern program and personnel cuts has been corrected after NASA officials clarified that Janet Petro was involved in efforts to maintain the intern program, contradicting initial claims that she was directed to cut interns by DOGE or the administration. The situation reflects ongoing personnel and budget issues at NASA.
Bitcoin's price pulled back to $41,500 after hitting a two-year high above $49,000 following the approval of spot bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., with analysts warning of a "sell-the-news" event. J.P. Morgan is skeptical about the new ETFs attracting significant fresh capital to the crypto space. Meanwhile, Venezuela is shutting down its Petro cryptocurrency, launched in 2018 to support the bolívar amid economic crisis and U.S. sanctions, after facing controversy and legal challenges.