In a significant escalation of U.S. policy towards Venezuela, President Joe Biden's administration has announced a $25 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. This decision comes as a direct response to Maduro's swearing-in for a third term, a move widely viewed as illegitimate given the allegations of election fraud. The U.S. officially recognizes opposition candidate Edmundo González as the rightful president, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for democratic governance in Venezuela.
Biden Increases Bounty on Nicolás Maduro to $25 Million
Biden Increases Bounty on Nicolás Maduro to $25 Million
The Biden administration intensifies its stance on Venezuela's president amid ongoing political unrest.
The announcement, made on January 10, 2025, marks a stark increase from the previous $15 million bounty established during the Trump administration, which was also aimed at the Venezuelan leader due to charges of narco-terrorism. Alongside this escalation, the U.S. government has similarly increased the bounty for Diosdado Cabello, the country's interior minister, to $25 million, while also offering a $15 million reward for the arrest of defense minister Padrino López.
Minutes after Maduro's inauguration, the U.S. Treasury Department implemented new sanctions against eight Venezuelan officials, enhancing pressure on Maduro's regime. These sanctions freeze assets in the U.S. and come as part of a broader push for democratic accountability in Venezuela, with treasury officials expressing the U.S.’s commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people’s quest for a democratic transition.
Additionally, the Biden administration has chosen to extend protections for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S., allowing them to live and work legally for an extra 18 months. This move underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis fueled by Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
As tensions remain high in Venezuela, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with the U.S. at the forefront of advocating for political change amidst the autocratic grip of Nicolás Maduro.
Minutes after Maduro's inauguration, the U.S. Treasury Department implemented new sanctions against eight Venezuelan officials, enhancing pressure on Maduro's regime. These sanctions freeze assets in the U.S. and come as part of a broader push for democratic accountability in Venezuela, with treasury officials expressing the U.S.’s commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people’s quest for a democratic transition.
Additionally, the Biden administration has chosen to extend protections for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S., allowing them to live and work legally for an extra 18 months. This move underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis fueled by Maduro’s authoritarian rule.
As tensions remain high in Venezuela, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with the U.S. at the forefront of advocating for political change amidst the autocratic grip of Nicolás Maduro.
