US President Donald Trump issued blunt warnings to the leaders of Colombia, Mexico and Cuba just hours after U.S. forces confirmed the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, signalling that the operation could mark the beginning of a broader regional confrontation.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence and later in a televised interview, Trump framed the Venezuela operation as a necessary step to restore regional stability, while directing unusually personal attacks at Latin American leaders who criticised the action. His remarks immediately drew attention across the hemisphere and sparked diplomatic backlash.
Trump singled out Colombian President Gustavo Petro, warning him to “watch his a**” and accusing him of facilitating drug trafficking into the United States. Petro has been among the most vocal critics of the U.S. military operation in Venezuela, describing it as a violation of regional sovereignty.
Trump alleged that Colombia hosts cocaine production facilities and claimed drugs were being funnelled north with government complicity, accusations that Bogotá has repeatedly denied.
Turning to Mexico, Trump questioned the authority of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. While calling her “a good woman” during an appearance on Fox & Friends, he asserted that organised crime has overtaken the Mexican state. “The cartels are running Mexico — she’s not running Mexico,” Trump said, adding that “something’s going to have to be done.”
Sheinbaum responded swiftly, issuing a statement condemning the U.S. action against Maduro and urging Washington to halt what she described as “acts of aggression” against Venezuela and its people.
Trump also directed criticism at Cuba, calling it a “failing nation” and suggesting the island could face increased pressure due to its close political and security ties with Caracas. Cuba has long provided security support to Venezuelan leadership and relies heavily on Venezuelan oil supplies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the administration’s tone, warning that Cuban officials should be “concerned.” Trump framed the administration’s posture as essential to securing regional stability, energy resources and U.S. influence following Maduro’s transfer to a New York prison.
