Trump Administration Doubles Reward to $50 Million for Maduro’s Capture

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Attorney General Pam Bondi announces that the Trump Administration has raised the reward from $25 million to $50 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro. The Justice Department, backed by the State Department, describes Maduro as a central figure in narco-terrorism and accuses him of coordinating with criminal organizations such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel to traffic lethal drugs, including fentanyl-tainted cocaine, into the United States.

Bondi affirms that authorities have already seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, including nearly seven tons tied directly to him. Federal agencies also confiscate more than $700 million in assets connected to Maduro’s network, including private jets, luxury vehicles, and other property.

The increased reward level marks an escalation in U.S. pressure on the Venezuelan leader, reflecting a hardline posture focused on holding him accountable for alleged drug trafficking and organized crime. The Trump Administration invokes the wartime powers under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of its legal justification for seeking his arrest.

This move intensifies already high diplomatic tensions with Maduro’s regime, which remains in power following a disputed third term. The Administration frames the measure as a step toward safeguarding national security and pushing back on corruption, while requiring political accountability at the highest level.

The announcement arrives amid criticism over executive actions and domestic spending priorities, though officials maintain that enforcing justice for transnational criminal networks takes precedence. The operation signals a determined response to international narcotics threats, emphasizing enforcement over diplomatic engagement.