Key facts
- Ada Colau accused Donald Trump of denying her a U.S. visa.
- Visa denial was reportedly due to her participation in a 2025 flotilla to Gaza.
- Colau was seeking to attend a summit of progressive city leaders in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on November 3-4.
- U.S. consular officials questioned Colau about her role in the flotilla during her visa application appointment.
Former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau accused U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday of denying her a visa to attend a summit in Puerto Rico, citing her pro-Palestinian activism. Colau stated that U.S. authorities rejected her online visa application to attend a summit of progressive city leaders in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on November 3 and 4. She believes the denial was due to her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which attempted to reach Gaza in late 2025. Colau was among the activists intercepted by Israeli forces and subsequently deported to Spain. She criticized the decision, calling it "shameful" that those who "denounce genocide and defend human rights" cannot enter U.S. territories. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Colau's remarks come ahead of Spain's general election on November 29.