Petro speaks in defense of Maduro after US reward of 50 million

On Saturday, August 9, 2025, Colombian President Gustavo Petro spoke on social media to reject the 50 million dollar reward that the United States offered for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Petro stated that "I do not believe that the solution to the political problems of Venezuelans lies in investing money in killing or capturing political leaders," and added that Venezuela and Maduro have provided "strong support" in the fight against drug trafficking groups on the border with Colombia, and that this support should continue.

In addition, he reaffirmed that justice must be independent and that shedding "Latin American blood by imposition" is not the way. Instead, he insisted that the only viable solution is an open dialogue among all Venezuelan forces that leads to free elections and broader regional integration.

To understand the context: on August 7, 2025, the United States government doubled the reward, raising it from 25 to 50 million dollars, accusing Maduro of being linked to drug trafficking — even as the leader of the Cartel of the Suns — and of collaborating with organizations such as the Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.