Donald Trump has turned up the heat on Colombia’s leader, Gustavo Petro, with a fiery broadside from his Mar-a-Lago press conference. Trump lambasted Petro for allegedly overseeing "factories where he makes cocaine," warning the Colombian president to "watch his back." This comes in the wake of Trump's controversial military action in Venezuela, which saw President Nicolás Maduro captured and transported to the United States.

Speaking boldly, Trump defended the US intervention in Venezuela. He asserted that America would "run" Venezuela until a "proper transition" is in place, aiming to pivot the nation's oil profits towards rebuilding. As tensions spike, allies like Iran and Russia, along with neighbouring Colombia, voice deep concern over the disturbance in South American stability.

Colombia’s official response condemned the "escalation of tension," signaling a diplomatic storm. Meanwhile, opposition forces within Venezuela welcomed Trump’s decisive strike against Maduro’s socialist regime, praising the US for fulfilling a long-promised intervention.

Trump further targeted Cuba, another Maduro ally, calling it a "failing nation" and hinting at potential future US interventions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported Trump’s stance, suggesting that Cuban officials should be concerned.

With Maduro set to face trial in New York, global reactions continue to pour in. New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani blasted the capture as an "act of war," asserting the move violates international law and impacts thousands of Venezuelans in New York.

Key Takeaways

• Trump targets Colombia: Claims of drug factories stir controversy.

• Regional uproar: US strikes heighten tensions in South America.

• Maduro's fate: Trial in New York set to be a global spectacle.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Expres 2026-01-04

 

 

 

4 hours ago, CharlieH said:

Speaking boldly, Trump defended the US intervention in Venezuela. He asserted that America would "run" Venezuela until a "proper transition" is in place, aiming to pivot the nation's oil profits towards rebuilding.

In watching all this, I can't see evidence that the Maduro system has been ousted. Aren't the same people in place that were there yesterday? Just no Maduro. Who is in charge? How is the US going to run things if there are no US forces there? When Noriega was captured in Panama, US troops were all over the place. Same pretty much for Grenada. Those are the two "models" for this.

Blimey O'Reilly, go for it Trump, set the whole continent oblaze why don't you - no one will be talking about the Epstein files for a long time!

It would need ground forces. Large parts of Venezuela and Colombia consits of djungle. History has shown that even a superpower can not win a djungle-war.

7 million of Venezuelans have left the country (the opposition has left the country). The majority stayed. Just food for thaught.

Are we going to take over every country? Some "anti war President"...

Also threats to Mexico issued.

I am in Colombian right now, Medellin. Just watched the news here. They are all excited and praising Trump. All over the news.

Hmm, let us see an indictment of trump for heading a government which is incapable of controlling the import of so many drugs. Turning things on its head?

Strange dynamics in Trump’s head. He is after cocaine traffickers but pardon one convicted of cocaine trafficking and Fentanyl not cocaine is the primary and most lethal drug in US. He attacked Venezuela who is a small player in cocaine trafficking and then claim he is after regime change or was it oil. I am confused. Only the Maga folks will understand his illogical demented thinking.

3 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Strange dynamics in Trump’s head. He is after cocaine traffickers but pardon one convicted of cocaine trafficking and Fentanyl not cocaine is the primary and most lethal drug in US. He attacked Venezuela who is a small player in cocaine trafficking and then claim he is after regime change or was it oil. I am confused. Only the Maga folks will understand his illogical demented thinking.

So you've had one on one conversations and he told you that ?

Cause if not then you're making stuff up OR you can't tell the difference between him trolling people with sound bites and the truth. Hint, its really easy with him.

3 minutes ago, Slowhand225 said:

So you've had one on one conversations and he told you that ?

Cause if not then you're making stuff up OR you can't tell the difference between him trolling people with sound bites and the truth. Hint, its really easy with him.

I can see you are confused too as you have not given me an answer. Your gibberish something doesn’t provide any relief to my post. Maybe one last time I ask “ just what is Trump reason/s for attacking Venezuela. Do tell.

trump is beginning to walk on thin ice. His ego and self belief of being untouchable in the US is not the same as the rest of the world. Already China and Russia, his so called friends, have expressed their dissatisfaction. If he doesn’t read the signs he fully deserves what’s coming his way. And because he’s stupid he won’t!

Has Colombia got much oil?????

5 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Strange dynamics in Trump’s head. He is after cocaine traffickers but pardon one convicted of cocaine trafficking and Fentanyl not cocaine is the primary and most lethal drug in US. He attacked Venezuela who is a small player in cocaine trafficking and then claim he is after regime change or was it oil. I am confused. Only the Maga folks will understand his illogical demented thinking.

Trump has admitted he's miffed as Venezuela took back oil concessions, deals and infrastructure under previous deals with the US under the tenure of George Bush's second term.

10 hours ago, giants49 said:

Are we going to take over every country? Some "anti war President"...

Threatening to take Greenland again on the basis of protecting USA from China and Russia! What planet is this man on? Stick him in one of Elon Musks rockets to the moon and let him rule the world from there.

26 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

Has Colombia got much oil?????

No, but it's got lots of cocaine, so this one's for Don Jr.

5 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

I can see you are confused too as you have not given me an answer. Your gibberish something doesn’t provide any relief to my post. Maybe one last time I ask “ just what is Trump reason/s for attacking Venezuela. Do tell.

Oil, making a ton of money for himself and distraction from all his legal cases and his failing health issues. The Russians are worried that this will cause rock bottom prices for oil, destroying their main export commodity, this won't do Texas much good either but it is a red state after all so they can grin and bare it. Nobody need to be too worried going by Trumps past business ventures when he says he is going to run Venezuela he means run into the ground.

On 1/4/2026 at 9:41 AM, CharlieH said:

Donald Trump has turned up the heat on Colombia’s leader, Gustavo Petro, with a fiery broadside from his Mar-a-Lago press conference. Trump lambasted Petro for allegedly overseeing "factories where he makes cocaine," warning the Colombian president to "watch his back." This comes in the wake of Trump's controversial military action in Venezuela, which saw President Nicolás Maduro captured and transported to the United States.

Speaking boldly, Trump defended the US intervention in Venezuela. He asserted that America would "run" Venezuela until a "proper transition" is in place, aiming to pivot the nation's oil profits towards rebuilding. As tensions spike, allies like Iran and Russia, along with neighbouring Colombia, voice deep concern over the disturbance in South American stability.

Colombia’s official response condemned the "escalation of tension," signaling a diplomatic storm. Meanwhile, opposition forces within Venezuela welcomed Trump’s decisive strike against Maduro’s socialist regime, praising the US for fulfilling a long-promised intervention.

Trump further targeted Cuba, another Maduro ally, calling it a "failing nation" and hinting at potential future US interventions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported Trump’s stance, suggesting that Cuban officials should be concerned.

With Maduro set to face trial in New York, global reactions continue to pour in. New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani blasted the capture as an "act of war," asserting the move violates international law and impacts thousands of Venezuelans in New York.

Key Takeaways

• Trump targets Colombia: Claims of drug factories stir controversy.

• Regional uproar: US strikes heighten tensions in South America.

• Maduro's fate: Trial in New York set to be a global spectacle.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Expres 2026-01-04

 

 

 

Maduro's trial may even eclipse Trump's own trials, an unworthy thought I know.

He left one of the other guys that was in jail for smuggling a large amount of cocaine into the country and now he’s worrying about other countries drug problems I’m surprised he doesn’t threaten China they’re doing all the fentanyl aren’t they but then I guess not too many people were talking about Epstein today they’re talking about the invasion go figure

7 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Strange dynamics in Trump’s head. He is after cocaine traffickers but pardon one convicted of cocaine trafficking and Fentanyl not cocaine is the primary and most lethal drug in US. He attacked Venezuela who is a small player in cocaine trafficking and then claim he is after regime change or was it oil. I am confused. Only the Maga folks will understand his illogical demented thinking.

A quick update, since I am in Colombia. Petro is pissed, and not happy with the situation at all. Yesterday all the news agencies were happy today the tone has changed. Kinda of suspicious. They are running non stop propaganda today. I may go back home to the USA until this blows over.

11 hours ago, Scouse123 said:

Has Colombia got much oil?????

No.

But much much more drug trade than Venezuela which the Trump regime has tried to sell as the reason for "arresting" Maduro.

20 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

A quick update, since I am in Colombia. Petro is pissed, and not happy with the situation at all. Yesterday all the news agencies were happy today the tone has changed. Kinda of suspicious. They are running non stop propaganda today. I may go back home to the USA until this blows over.

Do you mean anti-American propaganda?

Petro like him or not was democratically elected unlike Maduro and Trump recently accused him personally of selling drugs to Americans which is a lie.

Not that lying has ever been a problem for Trump.

As an expat there, are you noticing a change in attitude towards American expats because of this?

16 hours ago, IsaanGuy said:

trump is beginning to walk on thin ice. His ego and self belief of being untouchable in the US is not the same as the rest of the world. Already China and Russia, his so called friends, have expressed their dissatisfaction. If he doesn’t read the signs he fully deserves what’s coming his way. And because he’s stupid he won’t!

There is this theory.

11 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Do you mean anti-American propaganda?

Petro like him or not was democratically elected unlike Maduro and Trump recently accused him personally of selling drugs to Americans which is a lie.

Not that lying has ever been a problem for Trump.

As an expat there, are you noticing a change in attitude towards American expats because of this?

Well this just happened and everyone was happy until today. The news was very positive supporting the removal of Maduro.

Anti-American propaganda? Lots of News about the USA and some not very nice. Colombia is fragmented, kinda like southern Thailand. There are places you just don't want to go here because of the narco's and bad guys.

I have not had any problems, but I am going to keep a low profile until I know how this is going to play out. I don't think where I am the people will get hostile against the US expats. My problem is more with the government. If they get pissy I will head out.

Luckily I keep a place in the states..

Trump is really stirring the pot.

30 minutes ago, Gknrd said:

Well this just happened and everyone was happy until today. The news was very positive supporting the removal of Maduro.

Anti-American propaganda? Lots of News about the USA and some not very nice. Colombia is fragmented, kinda like southern Thailand. There are places you just don't want to go here because of the narco's and bad guys.

I have not had any problems, but I am going to keep a low profile until I know how this is going to play out. I don't think where I am the people will get hostile against the US expats. My problem is more with the government. If they get pissy I will head out.

Luckily I keep a place in the states..

Trump is really stirring the pot.

Thanks.

Colombia has been so decent about taking in so many refugees though I understand with such large numbers there is a lot of friction and social problems. I imagine initially when this might have been seen as a "liberation" that it looked like they could head home. But as Trump isn't really interested in democracy or the well being of the people there, I guess not many actually will be heading back there anytime soon. Trump just wants someone who will cooperate with him and his interests. If it's the exact same horrific regime for the people there with just a different name at the top, that's fine with him.