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

Donald Trump accused Nicolás Maduro of imitating his dance moves during a gathering of congressional Republicans in Washington. The accusation follows reports that Maduro's public dancing was perceived by the White House as mocking U.S. military pressure. Trump also made unsubstantiated claims about Maduro's violence and torture chambers in Caracas. These comments came after Maduro's arraignment hearing in Manhattan, following his recent capture by U.S. forces in Venezuela. Trump acknowledged criticism of his own dancing, while also claiming his supporters enjoy it.

In January 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio successfully influenced President Trump to authorize military action leading to the ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The operation, culminating in Maduro's capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, resulted in at least 80 deaths. Maduro and his wife were subsequently taken to New York to face cocaine trafficking charges. Rubio's involvement stems from a long-held goal to remove Maduro from power and potentially grant U.S. companies access to Venezuelan oil. However, the article suggests that the aftermath in Venezuela could impact Rubio's future political aspirations.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in January 2026 revealed that Americans are divided on the US military's abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The poll found 33% of Americans support the action, 34% oppose it, and 32% are unsure. Support for the abduction is significantly higher among Republicans (65%) compared to Democrats (11%) and Independents (23%). The poll also indicated that Americans generally oppose the US governing Venezuela, stationing troops there, or taking control of its oil fields. A large majority (72%) expressed concern that the US could become too involved in Venezuela. These results come after President Trump stated the US would "run" Venezuela and threatened further military action.

Following threats from U.S. President Donald Trump against Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Colombian Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio stated that Colombia would respond militarily to any foreign aggression. Her warning came after a U.S. military attack on Venezuela that resulted in deaths and the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump, who described the Western Hemisphere as his sphere of influence, accused Petro of producing and selling cocaine to the U.S. Villavicencio emphasized Colombia's right to self-defense under international law. She is scheduled to meet with U.S. leaders amidst rising tensions in the region.

Following US strikes in Venezuela and the abduction of President Maduro on January 6, 2026, Colombia is preparing for a potential refugee crisis. Defense Minister Sanchez announced the deployment of 30,000 soldiers to the Venezuelan border to bolster security and enacted emergency measures to support refugees. The Colombian government established five emergency command posts in border cities to coordinate humanitarian aid, security, and territorial control. These measures are in response to the potential influx of over a million Venezuelan refugees and concerns about armed groups, like the ELN and Segunda Marquetalia, seeking refuge in Colombia after operating in Venezuela. President Petro dispatched Minister Florian to Cucuta to address humanitarian concerns.

Following a raid in Venezuela, President Trump has signaled potential interest in other nations, invoking a revised "Donroe Doctrine" asserting US supremacy in the Western Hemisphere. Trump expressed interest in Greenland, citing national security concerns related to Russian and Chinese activity and the island's rare earth minerals and strategic location. Greenland's Prime Minister dismissed the notion of US control as a "fantasy." Trump also warned Colombian President Petro to "watch his ass," amidst disputes over drug trade and US actions against boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Colombia possesses significant oil reserves and is a major producer of precious metals and coal. These actions suggest a potentially assertive foreign policy approach in Trump's second term.

In January 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arraigned in a New York court after being abducted by U.S. special forces in Venezuela. Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including narcoterrorism, while claiming he is a "prisoner of war." He argued he is innocent and still the legitimate president of Venezuela. Other Venezuelan leaders initially echoed this position, but Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who has since taken over as interim president, offered to cooperate with the Trump administration. The Trump administration has framed the abduction as a law enforcement operation, while Maduro's defense is based on the rights afforded to prisoners of war. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty as a codefendant.

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted president of Venezuela, pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan courthouse to federal charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation after being captured in Caracas by U.S. Army Delta Force commandos. Maduro, who maintains he is still the legitimate president, was brought to the United States along with his wife, Cilia Flores, who was also indicted. His lawyer is expected to challenge the legality of the arrest, citing Maduro's status as head of a sovereign government and potential violations of international law regarding immunity for foreign leaders. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Maduro as a fugitive from American justice, framing the operation as primarily a law enforcement matter. The capture of Maduro leaves the future of Venezuela uncertain.

Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan leader, is scheduled to appear in a Manhattan court to face charges related to drug trafficking and other alleged crimes. The court appearance comes as tensions rise in the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of U.S. action against other countries, specifically mentioning Colombia and Mexico. The potential actions were alluded to in connection with the ongoing situation involving Maduro and Venezuela. The exact nature and timing of any potential U.S. actions remain unclear.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in a New York City federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, two days after being abducted from Caracas by US special forces. They pleaded not guilty to US charges of "narco-terrorism" and other offenses. Maduro's lawyers plan to contest the legality of his arrest, citing his immunity as head of state, despite the US not recognizing him as Venezuela's legitimate leader. The couple could face life in prison if convicted of working with drug cartels. Maduro's next court hearing is scheduled for March 17.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty to drug and weapon charges in a New York City courtroom on Monday. Maduro, who claims he was kidnapped from his home in Caracas on January 3rd, declared himself a "prisoner of war" during the arraignment. The couple was arrested by US forces in Venezuela on Saturday in a surprise operation involving strikes on military bases. Dressed in jail attire, Maduro and Flores listened to the proceedings through Spanish translation headphones. The 40-minute hearing was held in the same courtroom where Sean "Diddy" Combs was previously tried.

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, former Colombian President Ivan Duque Marquez stated that Colombia could play a supporting role in Venezuela's transition following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro. This statement comes amidst escalating tensions between the United States and Colombia. US President Donald Trump has accused the Colombian government of producing and selling cocaine to the United States and has threatened military action against Colombia. The article highlights the potential for Colombia to contribute to a resolution in Venezuela while also acknowledging the existing conflict between Colombia and the US. The context of the statement is the political instability in Venezuela and the strained relationship between Colombia and the United States.

In January 2026, Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded strongly to comments made by U.S. President Trump suggesting potential military action against Colombia. Trump accused Petro of involvement in cocaine production and implied the U.S. military could be used against Colombia. Petro stated he would defend himself against any illegitimate violent act and ordered Colombian soldiers to prioritize the Colombian flag over the U.S. flag, while also urging the Colombian people to defend him. The remarks followed the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Despite the tension, Colombia's defense minister emphasized the continued security cooperation between Colombia and the United States.

Following Nicolas Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces and arraignment in a New York court, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on Monday. Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, insisting he was still the legitimate president and a "prisoner of war." The swearing-in ceremony in Venezuela's parliament included demands for Maduro's release. The U.S. defended its actions at the UN, citing Maduro's illegitimacy and the need to secure Venezuela's energy reserves. Venezuela's UN ambassador condemned the U.S. operation as an "illegitimate armed attack."

Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's president on January 5, 2026, following the abduction of Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. military operation. Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's vice president, took her oath before the National Assembly, vowing to work for the peace and stability of Venezuela. She condemned the abduction of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The swearing-in ceremony was overseen by Rodriguez's brother, the president of the National Assembly, and Maduro's son. The event occurred as Maduro faced arraignment in a New York City courthouse on charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation. The U.S. has signaled that Rodriguez could face consequences if she does not align with U.S. priorities for Venezuela.

Following the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, Delcy Rodríguez, a longtime political confidante, became Venezuela's interim leader. The Venezuelan Supreme Court declared her acting president after Maduro's removal. Rodríguez, 56, has Marxist roots and entered Venezuelan politics after the 2002 coup attempt against Hugo Chávez. She rose through government ranks under both Chávez and Maduro, holding positions such as communication minister, foreign affairs minister, and vice president. She also took on responsibility for the country's finances as the economy minister. While she has fostered a shift towards a more free-market economy and protected the oil industry, Venezuela continues to struggle with hyperinflation. She now faces the challenge of navigating relations with the U.S. and a distrustful Venezuelan public.

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in Caracas, Venezuelans are reacting with a mix of hope and worry. The U.S. accuses Maduro of running a "narco-terrorist" regime, allegations he denies, and intends to hold him in New York City on drug trafficking and weapons charges. While some Venezuelans express gratitude towards the U.S. for removing Maduro, citing a renewed sense of hope, others fear the uncertainty of the future. Supporters of Maduro have rallied in Caracas, demanding his release and condemning the U.S. action as a kidnapping. The U.S. plans to manage Venezuela, including its oil reserves, until a replacement for Maduro is established, leaving the country's future unclear.

In a New Year's Eve interview, just hours before his capture by U.S. forces in Caracas, Nicolás Maduro made a final plea for peace to the American public and President Trump. Maduro, driving around Caracas, claimed Venezuela was a friendly nation and government, offering the slogan "No war. Yes peace." He accused Trump of seeking pretexts for invasion while asserting his desire for a peaceful resolution. Maduro also presented a red hat with his peace slogan, mimicking Trump's "Make America Great Again" cap. The interview, broadcast on Venezuelan state television, provided insight into Maduro's mindset as the U.S. military closed in, revealing his attempt to portray himself as a peace-loving leader despite previous defiant statements.

Cilia Flores, Venezuela's former First Lady, was captured by US forces along with her husband, President Nicolás Maduro, and will face drug trafficking and weapons charges in a New York court. Flores, 69, is considered a powerful political figure in Venezuela, having previously led the National Assembly and advised Maduro. She met Maduro in the early 1990s while defending Hugo Chávez and other plotters of a failed coup. After Chávez became president in 1998, Flores ascended in politics, leading the National Assembly from 2006 for six years. Despite presenting a family-oriented public image, Flores is alleged to have been a key advisor to Maduro and has faced accusations of corruption and nepotism.

On January 4, 2026, the United States allegedly conducted a swift regime change operation in Venezuela. According to the report, the US bombed Venezuela and abducted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife from their compound in Caracas. The report states that Maduro and his wife were then taken to a detention center in New York. The article details the alleged overnight events leading to this change in power. The reasons behind the US's alleged actions were not specified in the provided information.

Satellite imagery reveals damage to Venezuela's largest military base, Fuerte Tiuna, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. The images, released by Vantor, a space technology company, show that at least five buildings within the Caracas-based complex were destroyed. The damage also includes a gate and security building located in a wooded area near the compound. The imagery shows cargo containers and military vehicles near the destroyed buildings, but their contents are unknown. Fuerte Tiuna, built into a mountainside south of Caracas, is a military complex with fortifications and roads. The imagery provides visual evidence of the impact of the operation at the Venezuelan military base.

Following a U.S. attack that deposed Nicolás Maduro, exiled Venezuelans in Colombia celebrated with cautious optimism. Millions had fled Venezuela over the past decade due to economic collapse and political repression. While the prospect of returning home brought joy and tears, few have actually crossed the border back into Venezuela. The border crossing in Cúcuta, which accounts for 70 percent of traffic between the two countries, remained quiet, with normal commerce continuing. The United Nations and the Colombian government reported that the flow of people in both directions remained normal. Many Venezuelans remain wary, with the road to returning home still uncertain.

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.

President Trump announced the U.S. will govern Venezuela until a transition can occur. On January 3rd, the U.S. launched strikes in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Trump stated the couple was apprehended at a fortified residence and will be transported to New York, with only minor U.S. injuries reported. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Maduro's indictment in New York on drug and weapons charges, stating he will be prosecuted in American courts. In response, Venezuela declared a national emergency, condemning what it described as "extremely serious military aggression" by the U.S.

Explosions were reported in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with the cause of the blasts currently unknown. The incident follows months of increasing pressure from the United States on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. government accuses of leading a "narco-terrorist" state and controlling drug trafficking groups. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean since late August, engaging in operations against vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling. These actions have resulted in numerous deaths and have been criticized as potential extrajudicial killings. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Vice President, was sworn in as interim leader in January 2026. She is known for her leftist background as the daughter of a Marxist guerrilla and her rapid rise in Nicolás Maduro's government. Despite her leftist credentials, Rodríguez has cultivated relationships with Venezuela's business community and foreign investors, spearheading market-friendly economic reforms after the country's economic crisis. While President Trump stated that Rodríguez had been sworn in as Venezuela’s new president, Rodríguez and Maduro's supporters maintain that Maduro is still the legitimate leader. She rose to prominence after Maduro became president in 2013, holding positions such as communications minister and foreign affairs minister.

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.

On January 3, 2026, low-flying aircraft were observed over Caracas, Venezuela, while multiple explosions occurred throughout the city. The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in several Venezuelan states. The specific targets of the alleged attacks and the extent of the damage remain unclear. The motive behind the purported attacks, according to the Venezuelan government, is to destabilize the country. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

On January 3, 2026, explosions and smoke were reported in Caracas, Venezuela. The events occurred amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Power outages were also reported near a key military base in the capital city. There were also reports of low-flying aircraft over Caracas. Al Jazeera reported on the situation, with Lucia Newman providing details as they became available. The cause of the explosions and the extent of the damage remain unclear.