By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump warned on Jan. 4 that drug traffickers operating in Colombia and Mexico could face potential action by the U.S. military, while also predicting that Cuba’s communist government is likely to collapse following recent U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump was asked whether the United States might pursue military action related to drug trafficking in Colombia. He responded bluntly, saying, “It sounds good to me,” before sharply criticizing Colombia’s leadership.
“Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man, who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” Trump said, appearing to reference Colombian President Gustavo Petro. “And he’s not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you.”
Warnings to Mexico Over Cartels
Trump also issued a strong warning to Mexico, accusing its government of failing to adequately confront powerful drug cartels responsible for trafficking narcotics into the United States. He suggested that Washington may be forced to act if Mexico does not take stronger measures.
“Mexico has to get their act together because they’re pouring through Mexico, and we’re going to have to do something,” Trump said. “We’d love Mexico to do it—they’re capable of doing it—but unfortunately, the cartels are very strong in Mexico.”
The president added that he has repeatedly offered U.S. military assistance to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during their discussions on combating drug trafficking. According to Trump, while Sheinbaum has expressed concern about the cartels, she has so far declined U.S. troop involvement, citing apprehension about the implications of such cooperation.
Cuba Expected to Fall Without U.S. Intervention
When questioned about potential military action against Cuba, Trump indicated that he did not believe force would be necessary. He predicted that Cuba’s government would collapse on its own due to severe economic strain, particularly following the loss of Venezuelan oil support.
“They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it,” Trump said. “I think it’s just going to fall. I don’t think we need any action.”
Regional Backlash to Venezuela Operation
Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba have all strongly condemned the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a raid in Caracas on Jan. 3. The pair are facing drug- and arms-related charges in the United States.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on social media that his country opposes “any unilateral military action” that could escalate regional tensions and endanger civilian populations.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry also criticized the U.S. action, calling for dialogue and urging the United Nations to help reduce tensions. In a statement, the ministry emphasized that Latin America and the Caribbean are considered a zone of peace, built on respect for sovereignty, peaceful dispute resolution, and the rejection of threats or use of force, warning that military actions could seriously destabilize the region.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the U.S. operation as a “criminal attack” against Venezuela and accused Washington of kidnapping a sitting head of state. He called for the immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Uncertain Path Forward in Venezuela
In the aftermath of Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s Supreme Court named Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, a move that was recognized by the country’s military leadership. Rodríguez has condemned the U.S. operation, demanded the release of Maduro and Flores, and insisted that Maduro remains Venezuela’s legitimate president.
As tensions continue to rise across the region, Trump’s remarks signal a more confrontational U.S. posture toward drug trafficking networks and governments he accuses of enabling them, raising the prospect of further diplomatic clashes—or even military action—in the weeks ahead.
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