Trump’s other Latin American feud: why Colombia’s Petro is not Maduro

Tensions between the U.S. and Colombia have escalated following U.S. military action in Venezuela. Former U.S. President Trump accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of being a "sick man" involved in cocaine production and hinted at potential military intervention in Colombia. Petro, a former leftist guerrilla, vehemently denied the accusations and warned that U.S. military action would incite widespread rebellion. He stated he would take up arms again to defend Colombia, despite previously vowing not to. The Colombian defense minister has since reinforced the president's security detail. The dispute highlights a deterioration in relations between the two countries, traditionally allies in the fight against drug trafficking.

In January 2026, Donald Trump invited Colombian President Gustavo Petro to the White House after a phone call between the two leaders. This invitation occurred days after Trump threatened military action against Colombia, accusing Petro of drug trafficking. The call, which lasted an hour, involved discussions about drug issues and other disagreements. Petro stated that the call re-established communication and addressed Venezuela and drug trafficking. Petro also accused Colombian politicians of misleading Trump, leading to the diplomatic crisis. Arrangements are underway for a meeting in Washington, D.C., though a specific date was not provided.

In January 2026, tensions between U.S. President Trump and Colombian President Petro de-escalated after a phone call initiated by Petro to address disagreements, particularly regarding drugs. This call followed Trump's recent criticism of Petro and suggestions of military action against Colombia. Trump expressed appreciation for Petro's call and announced that Secretary of State Rubio is arranging a White House meeting between the two leaders. The hour-long call, facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, occurred around the same time as planned demonstrations in Colombia in response to Trump's earlier threats. The State Department had previously revoked Petro's visa following his controversial remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally.

In a January 10, 2026, interview with Al Jazeera, Colombian President Gustavo Petro addressed growing pressure from the United States following the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on "narcoterrorism" charges. Petro responded to accusations made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, focusing on the implications for Colombian sovereignty. The Colombian leader discussed the balance between diplomacy and confrontation in the region. Petro also considered whether Latin America is entering a period of instability and the potential impact on regional sovereignty. The interview explored the broader context of U.S. actions and their effect on Latin American politics.

Donald Trump warned Venezuela's new leader, Delcy Rodríguez, of severe consequences if she doesn't act "right," as Nicolás Maduro is set to appear in a New York court on drug trafficking and weapons charges. Maduro's arrest followed a US military operation in Caracas, which some Democratic lawmakers criticized as an "act of war," though Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists the US is not at war with Venezuela, but rather against drug trafficking organizations. Trump stated the US would "run" Venezuela until a proper transition and promised US oil companies would move in, despite Maduro's allies remaining in charge. Cuba, a Maduro ally, mourns the deaths of Cuban combatants during the US operation, while Rubio defended the US action and threatened further measures if Venezuela doesn't align with US interests, including maintaining the oil "quarantine."

Following the capture and extradition of Nicolás Maduro to the U.S., his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, publicly pledged "unconditional support" to Delcy Rodríguez, the newly sworn-in interim president of Venezuela. Maduro Guerra condemned the U.S. action as a "kidnapping" and a threat to global stability. Rodríguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, was sworn in on Monday and has vowed to work with the Trump administration despite objecting to the military action. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces in Caracas and are being held in New York on narco-terrorism charges. The U.S. military operation has drawn both praise and condemnation internationally, with China and Russia criticizing the action.

Following comments from Donald Trump suggesting Colombia could be the next target in a U.S. "war on drugs," Colombian President Gustavo Petro threatened military resistance. Trump, speaking on Air Force One, accused Petro of running a country "very sick" with cocaine production and personally profiting from the drug trade. Petro responded on X, denying Trump's accusations and vowing to take up arms to defend Colombia if attacked, despite his past commitment to peace. This exchange follows previous criticisms and threats from Trump, who has labeled Petro an "illegal drug dealer" and "lunatic." Petro has also been a vocal critic of U.S. actions, particularly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean.

In January 2026, abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are scheduled to appear in a New York court to face drug-related charges. U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the U.S. is in control of Venezuela and threatened further military action against the country. Trump also issued a threat against Colombian President Gustavo Petro and warned Mexico to improve its performance. The UN Security Council is expected to discuss the U.S. actions in Venezuela. These events follow a period of heightened tensions and ongoing disputes involving the U.S. and various Latin American nations.

In January 2026, the United States conducted a "large scale strike" against Venezuela, according to former US President Donald Trump. Trump claimed that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were captured and removed from the country. US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau stated this marked a "new dawn" for Venezuela. Maduro's government condemned the action as military aggression. Colombian President Gustavo Petro alerted the world to the attack and reiterated the need for peace and respect for international law. US media outlets like Fox News and CBS News also reported on the strikes within Venezuela.

In January 2026, Nicolás Maduro, the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, was captured in a U.S. military operation. This action culminated a period of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. The Trump administration had increased pressure on Maduro, beginning in March 2020 with a Justice Department indictment on narco-terrorism charges. After a disputed election in July 2024, the Biden administration recognized opposition leader Edmundo González as Venezuela's legitimate leader in January 2025. In July, the Trump administration designated Cartel de los Soles, a Venezuela-based criminal group, as a terrorist organization and identified Maduro as its leader, further authorizing military force against Latin American drug cartels. These events led to the breakdown in U.S.-Venezuelan relations and the effort to remove Maduro from power.

The US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, but his inner circle appears to have survived the strikes on the country. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, next in line for the presidency, and other top officials, including Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, issued defiant statements and made public appearances after the attacks. Rodríguez's location was unclear, with reports suggesting she was in Russia at the time of the strikes. The survival of these officials indicates that Venezuela's government remains functional, at least for now. The US intervention raises questions about what happens next, with potential power struggles between military units, rival factions, and guerrilla groups. The Venezuelan opposition's ambitions to exercise power also remain uncertain, with opposition leader María Corina Machado and retired diplomat Edmundo González, considered the legitimate winner of the 2024 presidential election, vying for influence.

In a phone interview with The New York Times, President Trump celebrated the capture of Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, calling it a "brilliant operation." Trump did not address whether he had consulted Congress before authorizing the US military and law enforcement personnel to engage in a large-scale strike. He announced the news on social media earlier that morning, stating he would hold a news conference at 11 a.m. from Mar-a-Lago, his private club and residence. The call lasted only 50 seconds, during which Trump declined to provide further details about the mission or its aftermath. Trump did not confirm whether he had sought congressional authority before taking action in Venezuela. He instead said "we'll discuss that" at a future news conference.

Amidst rising tensions with Venezuela, the United States has recently signed security agreements with several Latin American and Caribbean nations. These deals, made with Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago in the past week, allow for the deployment of US troops in these countries. The agreements coincide with increased US military activity in the region, including a campaign against Venezuela and the seizure of oil tankers. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that the Trump administration's actions could destabilize the entire region. The purpose of these agreements and increased military presence is not explicitly stated in the article.

Amidst rising tensions with Venezuela, the United States has recently signed security agreements with several Latin American and Caribbean nations. These deals, made with Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago in the past week, allow for the deployment of US troops in these countries. The agreements coincide with increased US military activity in the region, including a campaign against Venezuela and the seizure of oil tankers. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that the Trump administration's actions could destabilize the entire region. The purpose of these agreements and increased military presence is not explicitly stated in the article.

Amidst rising tensions with Venezuela, the United States has recently signed security agreements with several Latin American and Caribbean nations. These deals, made with Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago in the past week, allow for the deployment of US troops in these countries. The agreements coincide with increased US military activity in the region, including a campaign against Venezuela and the seizure of oil tankers. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has warned that the Trump administration's actions could destabilize the entire region. The purpose of these agreements and increased military presence is not explicitly stated in the article.

In December 2025, US President Donald Trump warned Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro against "playing tough," suggesting it would be wise for him to step down amidst escalating US pressure. Trump's statement, made at his Mar-a-Lago resort, comes as the US Coast Guard pursues a third oil tanker allegedly used by Venezuela to evade US sanctions. The US has already seized two tankers and their oil cargo, potentially for sale or strategic reserve use. Maduro responded by advising Trump to focus on US domestic issues instead of threatening Venezuela. The situation unfolds against a backdrop of growing US military presence in the region, ostensibly to combat drug trafficking, and with Russia and China voicing support for Venezuela.