Venezuela slams US $50 million bounty on Maduro as 'media circus'
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Venezuelan FM Yvan Gil condemned US Attorney General Pam Bondi’s $50 million reward for information to arrest President Nicolas Maduro, calling it a "circus" and political propaganda.
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Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addresses supporters during an event marking the anniversary of his re-election and the birthday of late President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos)
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.
The foreign minister dismissed the announcement as political theater, accusing Bondi of staging a "show" to divert attention from her own issues, asserting, "It is a joke and a desperate attempt to distract attention from her own troubles."
On January 11, the US State Department increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest or conviction from $15 million to $25 million, coinciding with his swearing-in for a third six-year term earlier this year.
In addition, the US offered a $25 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, introducing a new reward of up to $15 million for the arrest or conviction of Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
The US government stated that these measures were intended to demonstrate "solidarity with the Venezuelan people" and to apply pressure on Maduro and his allies.
