Trump Puts $50 Million Bounty on Venezuela’s President : Here’s Why He Wants Him in Jail

Trump Doubles Down on Maduro: $50 Million for His Arrest

Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro once again. The former U.S. president just doubled the reward for Maduro’s arrest to a jaw-dropping $50 million, accusing him of drug trafficking on a massive scale. “Under President Trump’s leadership, Maduro will not escape justice,” said U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. “He will be held accountable for his despicable crimes.”

Why Does Trump Want Maduro So Badly?

Trump and U.S. prosecutors claim Maduro is one of the world’s top narco-traffickers, running a criminal empire that has worked with drug cartels to send fentanyl-laced cocaine into the U.S. Maduro was first charged in a New York federal court back in 2020 during Trump’s presidency. He was accused of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to smuggle tons of cocaine into the United States.

At the time, the U.S. offered $15 million for his capture. The Biden administration later raised it to $25 million, the same reward offered for Osama bin Laden. Now Trump has doubled that again to $50 million.

Venezuela’s Response is “Ridiculous”

Maduro’s government didn’t stay quiet. Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil slammed the new bounty, calling it “pathetic” and “the most ridiculous smokescreen we have ever seen.” Despite global pressure, Maduro stayed in power after a controversial 2024 election that many, including the U.S. called a sham.

U.S. Prisoner Swap and Oil Deal

Just weeks ago, the Trump camp brokered a deal to bring home 10 jailed Americans from Venezuela. In return, Venezuela got back dozens of deported migrants. Soon after, the Biden White House reversed oil sanctions, letting Chevron drill in Venezuela again. The Justice Department says it has seized $700 million in assets tied to Maduro including private jets and linked 7 million tonnes of cocaine directly to his regime.

Also Read Radhika Apte Accuses Producer of Misbehaviour While She Was Pregnant

Where Is Maduro Hiding?

He is not exactly in hiding. Maduro is believed to be living in Miraflores Palace, Venezuela’s presidential mansion in Caracas. But officials suspect he owns other, undisclosed properties too.