Venezuela rallies behind president, denounces $50mln bounty on Maduro
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Venezuela condemns the US $50M bounty on President Maduro, calling drug trafficking charges part of an "imperialist plot" to destabilize the country.
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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro gestures after marking his ballot during municipal elections in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Venezuela’s government and armed forces issued a united defense of President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday after the United States announced a $50 million reward for information leading to his arrest, accusing Washington of orchestrating a “criminalization” campaign against the Chavista leader.
Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the US move was a “farce” aimed at undermining Venezuela’s sovereignty and discrediting Maduro. “The history of humanity is full of lies crafted by the US and its Western satellites to enforce regime changes on those who do not submit to their nefarious interests,” Rodríguez wrote on Telegram, adding that the Venezuelan state powers and the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) reject “this barbaric threat.”
The Presidential Honor Guard and the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) also condemned the allegations made by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who accused Maduro of using criminal cartels to traffic drugs and violence into the United States. Major General Javier José Marcano Tabata, head of both agencies, called the charges part of a long-running Pentagon-backed plan to destabilize Venezuela, sabotage its development, and justify intervention.
Tabata praised FANB’s readiness to defend the president and the nation, saying the armed forces have adapted their doctrine to confront “new forms of warfare” and counter the “subversive activity of imperialist special services.”
National Assembly rejects US accusations
The National Assembly, led by Jorge Rodríguez, unanimously rejected the US accusations, describing them as “absurd", “desperate", and an attempt to revive “useless formulas” to destabilize Venezuela’s peace and prosperity. Lawmakers denounced what they called a disinformation campaign linking Maduro to the Cartel de los Soles, insisting such claims have no legal basis and aim to incite extremist violence.
Rodríguez said US hostility stems from Venezuela’s defense of sovereignty, noting the country’s resistance to decades of sanctions and blockades. He highlighted recent electoral victories for Maduro and the ruling party, declaring that “Venezuela does not surrender” and will protect its independence through “civic-military-police unity.”
The statements came amid revelations that US President Donald Trump secretly authorized a Pentagon directive allowing military intervention in Latin America under the guise of anti-drug operations without congressional approval.
Venezuelan officials maintain that Maduro remains the guarantor of peace, democracy, and the rule of law, vowing that “those who promote hatred and chaos” will be defeated.
Venezuela slams US bounty
Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has denounced Washington’s announcement of a $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro, calling it a "circus" and a desperate distraction from US domestic troubles.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Thursday a $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Maduro, marking the latest escalation in tense Venezuela–US relations. Washington continues to accuse the Venezuelan leader of corruption and criminal activity, allegations Maduro has repeatedly denied.
"Pamela Bondi’s pathetic ‘reward’ is the most ridiculous smokescreen we have ever seen. While we are debunking terrorist plots organized from her country, this lady is organizing a media circus to please the defeated Venezuelan far-right," Gil said on Telegram.
