In mid-August 2025, a new wave of political and diplomatic tension erupted as U.S. authorities announced a significant increase in the reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The bounty now stands at $50 million—a record-breaking offer that underscores just how determined Washington is to pursue this case.
The U.S. Attorney General stated that Maduro is linked to international terrorist organizations and has direct involvement in organizing large-scale drug shipments to North America. Her remarks contained accusations that effectively place the Venezuelan leader among the world’s most notorious drug traffickers.
The origins of this standoff date back to 2020, when the Trump administration first charged Maduro with “narcoterrorism.” At that time, a $15 million reward was offered for his capture, later increased to $25 million—on par with the bounty once set for Osama bin Laden. The latest near-doubling of the sum sends a clear signal: Washington intends not only to ramp up sanctions but also to actively pursue personal accountability for the Venezuelan head of state.
For Caracas, the move is another blow to an already fragile reputation on the global stage. Venezuela, mired in a deep economic crisis, is struggling to navigate alliances with certain world powers while maintaining control at home. While the Venezuelan government has yet to respond, international analysts predict a strong reaction—from accusations of “neocolonialism” to claims of attempted foreign interference.
Against the backdrop of global instability—marked by energy crises, geopolitical rifts, and intensifying competition between major power centers—the Venezuelan question is once again in the spotlight. Whether the new bounty will yield concrete results remains unclear, but the move by Washington is yet another sign that the era of “soft signals” is fading, giving way to a policy of direct and unmistakable pressure.
