Trump Administration Doubles Bounty on Maduro’s Arrest

*Washington, D.C. The United States has intensified its pursuit of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by doubling the reward for information leading to his arrest. The Trump administration announced a dramatic increase in the bounty from $25 million to $50 million, as it continues to accuse Maduro of playing a central role in international drug trafficking.

This move marks a significant escalation in the already strained relationship between Washington and Caracas. Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, has long been at odds with the US government. The recent hike in the reward reflects the seriousness with which the United States views the charges against him.

According to US officials, Maduro is allegedly linked to a sprawling drug trafficking network that involves the smuggling of large quantities of cocaine into the United States. The allegations claim that he has used the Venezuelan state apparatus and military resources to protect and profit from these operations.

The US Justice Department had previously indicted Maduro in 2020 on narco-terrorism and corruption charges. At that time, a reward of $15 million was offered for his arrest. Later, the amount was increased to $25 million. Now, with the latest announcement, it stands at a staggering $50 million, one of the highest bounties ever placed on a world leader.

The Trump administration’s decision to raise the stakes comes amid continued criticism of Maduro’s authoritarian grip on Venezuela. He has been accused of undermining democratic institutions, suppressing political opposition, and overseeing a humanitarian crisis that has forced millions of Venezuelans to flee the country.

US officials argue that Maduro’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking goes beyond just criminal activity — they see it as a threat to international security. The increased reward aims to encourage whistleblowers and insiders to come forward with credible information that could lead to Maduro’s capture and prosecution in US courts.

Despite the mounting pressure, Maduro has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and has repeatedly denounced US actions as part of a broader campaign to destabilize Venezuela. He maintains that the accusations are part of Washington’s long-standing policy of regime change in Latin America.

International reactions have been mixed. Some countries in the region have voiced support for the US stance, while others have warned against the use of bounties on sitting heads of state, citing potential diplomatic fallout and the undermining of sovereignty.

The offer of such a high reward places additional heat on the already embattled Venezuelan government, which is dealing with economic collapse, international sanctions, and growing isolation on the global stage.

As tensions escalate, the question remains whether this reward will actually lead to Maduro’s capture — or if it will only further inflame geopolitical rifts between the United States and its South American adversary.