Washington, D.C. – The United States has dramatically escalated its pursuit of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, doubling the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million—marking one of the highest bounties ever offered for a sitting head of state.
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The move underscores Washington’s intensified efforts to hold Maduro accountable for alleged drug trafficking and corruption.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the updated reward on August 8, 2025, stating that Maduro is “one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers” and directly linked to smuggling cocaine into the U.S.
The bounty was initially set at $25 million under the Biden administration, following Maduro’s 2020 indictment in the U.S. on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and electoral fraud.
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Key Developments:
Asset Seizures: U.S. authorities have already seized over $700 million in assets tied to Maduro’s regime, including two private jets, nine luxury vehicles, and properties linked to Venezuelan officials
Global Reactions: The Trump administration’s decision has drawn mixed responses. Venezuelan officials dismissed the bounty as a “political stunt,” while Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum stated there is “no evidence” linking Maduro to drug cartels.
Hezbollah Condemnation: Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of Maduro, condemned the U.S. move as “aggressive imperialism”.
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The reward hike reflects escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with Maduro’s government accusing Washington of attempting to destabilize the country. The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized that the bounty applies globally, signalling a transnational effort to apprehend Maduro
Sources: BBC, Al Jazeera, The Guardian, The Washington Post
