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

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."

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.

According to a news report published on January 8, 2026, US oil companies ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips have been lobbying for regime change in Venezuela for years. The report alleges that Donald Trump informed these companies before deploying the military against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The article suggests the motivation behind Trump's actions in Venezuela was related to the country's oil reserves. The location of these events is Venezuela and the United States. The report implies that the US's interest in Venezuelan oil is a key factor driving US foreign policy in the region.

Following a hypothetical military operation removing Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, President Trump claims US oil companies could be operational there within 18 months. He suggests the companies would be reimbursed for their investments by the US government or through revenue generated. Trump believes increased Venezuelan oil production would benefit the US by lowering oil prices. However, analysts are skeptical, citing the need for a stable government, the high costs involved, and the time required to restore Venezuela's oil output. Chevron, the only US firm currently operating in Venezuela, stated it remains focused on employee safety and compliance with regulations. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, but its production has declined significantly.

Donald Trump predicts that US oil companies will invest billions in Venezuela to revitalize its oil production within 18 months after Nicolás Maduro's removal. However, industry experts are skeptical, citing the need for US government guarantees to offset the high risks and costs associated with rebuilding Venezuela's damaged oil infrastructure. Major US oil companies like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron have not confirmed any investment plans. Analysts estimate it could take at least three years to significantly increase production, with initial efforts focused on securing contracts and reconstruction before any meaningful output increase. Experts suggest that while interest in Venezuelan oil exists, the appetite for heavy investment remains low due to the country's uncertain future.

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, 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, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president, according to the U.S. Following this, President Trump stated that Rodríguez would cooperate with the U.S. in governing Venezuela. However, Rodríguez quickly refuted this in a televised address, condemning the U.S. as an illegal invader and affirming Venezuela's determination to remain free. She emphasized that the U.S. seeks regime change to seize Venezuela's resources. Rodríguez delivered her address alongside Venezuela’s National Defense Council, signaling a unified front against U.S. intervention. She and other Venezuelan leaders continue to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president, defying Trump's demands.