US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington is now “in charge” of Venezuela and is focused on restoring stability before moving toward elections, as Nicolás Maduro remains in US custody following the weekend operation that removed him from power.
Trump added that the US was prepared to carry out a “second phase” of operations in Venezuela, but suggested it may not be necessary for now, depending on cooperation from authorities installed after Maduro’s detention.
In separate remarks, Trump indicated that a US military operation against Colombia was, in his view, an option on the table. Asked about the possibility, he responded approvingly, while criticizing Colombian President Gustavo Petro and describing Colombia’s leadership as unstable.
Colombia’s Foreign Ministry rejected Trump’s comments, calling them undue interference in the country’s internal affairs and contrary to international law.
Petro, for his part, condemned the US action that led to Maduro’s arrest, arguing it lacked a legal basis and amounted to a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty. In social media posts, Petro also rebuked Trump directly and warned against the use of force in the region.
The exchanges come as political and security tensions continue to rise across the region, with sharp divisions emerging over Washington’s role in Venezuela and the path forward for the country’s governance.
