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Trump Warns Rivals After Venezuela Action: "Don't Play Games"

President Donald Trump declared the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as a warning to all adversaries threatening U.S. sovereignty or lives. He accused Maduro of overseeing drug trafficking and directing violent gangs like Tren de Aragua into American communities. U.S. officials emphasized that all military options remain on the table and that the operation demonstrates America's global resolve. The warning extended to regional leaders in Colombia and Cuba, while Trump also criticized Putin's actions in Ukraine.

Key Points: Trump Warns Adversaries After Venezuela Operation

  • Maduro arrested as fugitive of U.S. justice
  • U.S. retains all military options
  • Accusations of state-directed drug trafficking
  • Warning extends to Cuba, Colombia, and Russia
2 min read

Trump warns rivals after Venezuela action

Following the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, Trump warns rivals, reaffirms U.S. military options, and links Venezuela to drug trafficking and gangs.

"This extremely successful operation should serve as a warning... - President Donald Trump"

Washington, Jan 4

US President Donald Trump said the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro should serve as a warning to adversaries, declaring that the United States would not tolerate threats to its security or sovereignty.

"This extremely successful operation should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives," Trump said.

He said the US embargo on Venezuelan oil remained in effect and that American forces were positioned to act again if necessary. "The United States retains all military options," Trump said.

Trump accused Maduro of overseeing drug trafficking and sending violent gangs into the United States. He said the prison gang Tren de Aragua had terrorized American communities and was directed by the Venezuelan leadership.

"They were sent by Maduro to terrorize our people," Trump said, adding that such threats would no longer be tolerated.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the operation showed American resolve. "Our adversaries remain on notice," he said. "America can project our will anywhere, anytime."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Maduro had been indicted in 2020 and was not recognized as Venezuela's legitimate president by the United States, the European Union or multiple governments worldwide.

"He is a fugitive of American justice," Rubio said, adding that Maduro had ignored multiple opportunities to avoid confrontation.

Trump also addressed regional leaders, reiterating criticism of Colombian President Gustavo Petro. "He has cocaine mills," Trump said, adding that drugs were being sent into the United States.

Asked about Cuba, Trump described the country as "a failing nation," while Rubio said Cuban officials should be concerned. "If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I'd be concerned," Rubio said.

Trump was also asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I'm not thrilled with Putin," Trump said. "He's killing too many people," referring to the war in Ukraine.

He said the United States would continue supporting NATO while pushing to end the conflict. "I want to stop the lives," Trump said, citing high monthly casualty figures.

Trump said the message of the Venezuela operation was clear. "Don't play games," Rubio said earlier, a point Trump echoed by saying those who threaten the United States would face consequences.

The operation comes amid heightened US focus on the Western Hemisphere, where Washington has increasingly framed security, energy and migration as interconnected strategic priorities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
The drug trafficking angle is serious. If Maduro was really involved, it's a global issue. But I hope this isn't just political theatre before the US elections. We've seen that before. The focus should be on helping the Venezuelan people, not just making statements.
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Aman W
"America can project our will anywhere, anytime." This is the problem. The world is not America's backyard. Every nation has sovereignty. As an Indian, I value our independent foreign policy. We don't need to be anyone's pawn.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Trump criticise Putin in the same breath. The geopolitics is messy. But honestly, the constant US interventions rarely lead to long-term stability. Look at Iraq, Libya. I hope Venezuela finds peace, but external force is not the answer.
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Karthik V
The oil embargo mention is key. It's always about resources, isn't it? They frame it as security, but energy security is a major driver. India should be careful with its own energy deals and not get caught in these crossfires. Jai Hind!
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, I think some comments here are too cynical. If a leader is accused of drug trafficking and sending violent gangs, action is needed. Global security is interconnected. But yes, the process must be legal and through international bodies, not unilateral.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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