President Donald Trump has doubled down on his hardline approach to Latin America. According to UNILAD, Trump is issuing new threats against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico just days after US forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a covert military operation. The comments mark a sharp escalation in Washington’s posture toward the region and suggest the White House has no intention of easing pressure anytime soon.
The remarks came as international backlash continued to build over the decision to detain Maduro and fly him to the United States to face so-called “narco-terrorism” charges. While the administration has framed the operation as a law enforcement matter, critics argue it amounted to regime change and was aimed at reopening Venezuela’s oil reserves to US interests. Democrats have also questioned the justification offered for the capture, arguing there was no evidence to support what the administration claimed.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, January 4, Trump claimed the US was now “in charge” of Venezuela, despite the country’s Supreme Court appointing Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim leader. He warned that American forces could return if Venezuela “doesn’t behave,” before expanding his focus to Colombia and Cuba.
This was an unusually blunt warning to America’s neighbors
Trump’s language toward Colombia was particularly aggressive. He described both Colombia and Venezuela as “very sick” and accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of leading a government run by “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” He added ominously, “And he’s not going to be doing it very long.”
Beyond Colombia, Trump turned his attention to Cuba, claiming the country was on the brink of collapse following the intervention in Venezuela. He said Cuba had lost its primary source of income after Venezuelan oil supplies were cut off and suggested the island nation would fall without direct US military involvement. “Cuba is ready to fall,” he told reporters, arguing economic pressure alone would be sufficient.
Trump also issued a warning to Mexico, saying the country “has to get their act together” because drugs are “pouring through Mexico.” He praised Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as a “terrific person” but said the country’s cartels were “very strong,” adding that the US might be forced to “do something” if the situation does not improve.
The broader international reaction has been one of alarm, with critics warning the fallout could extend well beyond Venezuela. One top Democrat argued Trump’s “America First” approach was turning into an “imperial adventure” that risks repeating mistakes associated with some of the United States’ worst foreign policy disasters.
Following Maduro’s capture, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain released a joint statement condemning the operation. The countries said the action contravened international law, including the prohibition on the use or threat of force and respect for national sovereignty under the UN Charter. Many leaders now warn that the precedent set by the operation poses a serious risk to regional stability and global
Published: Jan 6, 2026 06:15 am