Suymmary:
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Trump reaffirmed US control over post-Maduro Venezuela
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US says it is working with newly sworn-in leaders in Caracas
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Washington will not invest in Venezuela, despite oil company interest
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Trump floated the idea of an operation in Colombia
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Mexico also warned, with cartel power cited as justification
US President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric across Latin America, reinforcing Washington’s assertion of control over post-Maduro Venezuela while openly signalling that Colombia and Mexico could also face US action as part of a widening campaign against criminal networks and regional instability.
Trump reiterated that the United States is now effectively “in charge” of Venezuela following the weekend’s operation that removed former president Nicolás Maduro.
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He said US authorities are working with officials who were recently sworn in as part of a transitional arrangement, framing the intervention as an ongoing governance and security effort rather than a one-off military action. While Trump stressed that Washington will not invest public funds into rebuilding Venezuela, he acknowledged strong interest from private-sector energy companies, saying oil firms are eager to re-enter the country despite years of production decline and sanctions.
The president’s remarks went further, however, by broadening the scope of US pressure beyond Venezuela. Asked about the possibility of an operation in Colombia, Trump said the idea “sounds good” to him, describing Colombia as “very sick” and blaming its condition on current leadership. He added pointedly that the situation would not persist for long, language widely interpreted as a warning that Colombia could face US action if Washington deems criminal or insurgent activity to be inadequately addressed.
Trump also sharpened his tone toward Mexico, saying the United States “has to do something” and repeatedly criticising the strength of drug cartels operating there. He said he has offered on multiple occasions to send US troops to assist Mexico, claiming he raises the proposal every time he speaks with President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to Trump, Mexico must “get its act together,” arguing that cartel power represents a direct threat to US security.
While no formal announcements were made regarding military action in Colombia or Mexico, the remarks mark a significant escalation in regional rhetoric following the Venezuela intervention. The combination of governance claims in Caracas and explicit warnings to neighbouring states suggests Washington is seeking to deter resistance while signalling a willingness to expand pressure across the region.
For markets, the comments add a fresh layer of geopolitical risk across Latin America, with potential implications for energy investment, emerging-market FX volatility and regional risk premia.
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.
