Colombian President Gustavo Petro is struggling to receive his salary after being placed under US sanctions, his lawyer Daniel Kovalik told AFP on Thursday.

The sanctions, imposed by President Donald Trump, also target Petro’s wife, son, and interior minister, accusing them of failing to curb drug trafficking. The measures freeze their assets in the US, block transactions with US-linked companies, and have led to frozen bank accounts and credit cards.

Kovalik said the restrictions have made it difficult for Petro and his officials to get paid as public servants, adding that even a US-affiliated company in Spain refused to refuel the presidential plane.

Kovalik plans to challenge the sanctions before US courts and the Treasury Department, describing the process as “long and protracted.” He argued that Petro has fought drug cartels throughout his career and is being punished for opposing US foreign policy, calling the move a warning to leaders who defy Washington’s agenda.

The Colombian leader has also spoken out forcefully against Israel’s genocide in Gaza and taken concrete measures against Tel Aviv.

The lawyer added that any entity working with Petro could face secondary sanctions, underscoring what he described as a politically motivated campaign.

The Cradle Media report