CARACAS – Ties between US and Venezuela hit lowest during Donald Trump’s presidency, fueled by mix of political clashes, economic warfare, and criminal accusations.
Washington refused to recognize Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s president after controversial 2018 election, branding it neither free nor fair. Instead, Trump led governmnet threw its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaidó, declaring him interim president in a high-stakes attempt to force regime change in Caracas.
Trump administration ramped up pressure with sweeping economic sanctions, targeting Venezuela’s lifeline, state-run oil company PDVSA, along with government finances and top officials. The goal was clear, cut off Maduro’s revenue and shake his grip on power.
It escalated further in 2020 when US Justice Department leveled shocking charges of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism against Maduro and senior officials, alleging plot to smuggle cocaine into US. Multi-million-dollar rewards were offered for information leading to their arrest, signaling Washington’s uncompromising stance.
Trump repeatedly warned that “all options are on the table,” including potential military action, though no direct intervention occurred. Venezuela fired back, accusing the US of economic warfare and blaming sanctions for deepening its humanitarian and financial crisis.
Despite relentless pressure, Maduro remained in power, bolstered by the Venezuelan military and backed by international allies including Russia, China, Iran, and Cuba. By the end of Trump’s term, the standoff remained unresolved, leaving Venezuela and the United States locked in a tense, high-stakes showdown.
In stunning escalation of tensions, United States formally indicted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Southern District of New York. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charges, which include conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive weapons, and conspiracy to use those weapons against the United States.
Bondi warned that Maduro and his wife “will soon face the full force of American justice” and praised US military personnel for executing a “highly successful mission” to apprehend the alleged international drug smugglers. However, the specific charges against Flores have not yet been disclosed.
Who Will Take Control?
With Maduro reportedly removed, the biggest question now is who will lead Venezuela. Observers are watching three key figures: Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
Cabello and Padrino hold significant sway within the military, which could play kingmaker in determining the next leader. Rodríguez, however, has limited influence over armed forces circles. Meanwhile, the opposition, led by María Corina Machado, is demanding true political change following its claimed victory in the July 2024 elections—and may not settle for simply removing Maduro.
In response to US actions, Colombia deployed troops along its border with Venezuela, citing the risk of a large-scale influx of refugees. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has repeatedly called for calm and negotiations, warning of potential instability along the 2,000 km shared border, which has historically been affected by crises in both nations.
‘No More operations expected in Venezuela; Maduro to face criminal trial in US’
