Trump Administration Doubles Down: $50 Million Bounty Offered for Nicolás Maduro's Arrest

In a dramatic escalation of U.S. pressure on Venezuela, the Trump administration has announced a record-breaking $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of being one of the world's most prolific narco-traffickers and a direct threat to American national security.

Background: A Long Trail of Indictments

Maduro was first indicted in March 2020 during Donald Trump's first term, facing federal charges in the Southern District of New York for narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of destructive devices. At the time, the U.S. offered a $15 million reward for his capture. That figure was later raised to $25 million under the Biden administration, matching the bounty once placed on Osama bin Laden.

Now, with Trump back in office, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the doubling of the reward to $50 million, stating:

"Under President Trump's leadership, Maduro will not escape justice and he will be held accountable for his despicable crimes."

Allegations of Drug Trafficking and Terror Ties

Bondi detailed that Maduro has allegedly worked with criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel, and Venezuela's own Cartel de los Soles to traffic fentanyl-laced cocaine into the United States. The DEA has reportedly seized over 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, including nearly seven tons directly tied to the Venezuelan president.

The Justice Department has also seized more than $700 million in assets connected to Maduro, including private jets and luxury vehicles.

Diplomatic Fallout and Venezuela's Response

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the bounty as "pathetic," accusing Bondi of orchestrating a "crude political propaganda operation." He likened the announcement to a desperate distraction, referencing Bondi's recent controversies surrounding the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein case.

Despite mounting international condemnation of Maduro's 2024 reelection-which the U.S., EU, and several Latin American governments labeled fraudulent-Maduro remains entrenched in power. His government has not responded officially to the latest bounty increase.

Recent Diplomatic Maneuvers

Just weeks before the announcement, the Trump administration negotiated the release of 10 Americans imprisoned in Caracas in exchange for deporting Venezuelan migrants from U.S. detention centers to El Salvador. In a surprising pivot, the White House also allowed Chevron to resume oil drilling in Venezuela, despite ongoing sanctions.

Strategic Implications

The unprecedented bounty underscores the Trump administration's hardline stance on Venezuela and its broader strategy to combat transnational drug trafficking. By elevating Maduro's status to that of a top-tier fugitive, the U.S. is signaling its intent to pursue regime accountability through both legal and economic pressure.