Nationwide — Trump signaled broader U.S. pressure in Latin America after Venezuela’s leader was captured, hinting Colombia’s president could be next and warning Cuba faces collapse. His comments followed the U.S. operation in Venezuela and sharp comments aimed at regional leaders.
Trump spoke to reporters Sunday after the U.S. confirmed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is now set to face trial in the United States, according to ABC News. The president said Colombia is also a problem and accused its leader of criminal behavior.
Referring to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Trump claimed the country is “run by a sick man” and suggested Petro would not remain in power for long. When asked directly if the U.S. might take military action against Colombia, Trump replied that it “sounds good.”
Petro pushed back hours earlier, rejecting Trump’s accusations and denying any link to drug trafficking. He said Trump was speaking without facts and warned against threatening a Latin American president who rose from armed struggle to a peace process.
Trump then turned his focus to Cuba, a longtime ally of Maduro’s government. He said Cuba survived financially because of Venezuelan support and claimed that support is now gone after the U.S. operation.
According to Trump, Cuban nationals were killed while trying to protect Maduro. Cuban officials later confirmed that at least 32 Cuban citizens died during the operation. Trump said those losses and the loss of Venezuelan oil income left Cuba in a weak position.
“Cuba looks like it’s ready to fall,” Trump said, adding that he did not see a need for direct U.S. action because the government appeared to be collapsing on its own.
In Venezuela, the Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as interim president and described Maduro’s capture as a kidnapping. Rodriguez demanded his return and vowed to defend the country.
Rodriguez later called for cooperation with the United States under international law. Trump responded by saying the U.S. is now in charge and warned of further action if Venezuela’s leadership does not comply, demanding full access to the country’s oil reserves.