US removes Venezuela from drug list, says Trump

Washington — President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that the United States has seen measurable gains in its fight against narcotics since the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, and hinted that the administration could consider revising its policy toward Colombia and Bolivia. Speaking at a press briefing, Trump said that the removal of Maduro “has opened new channels for cooperation” with regional partners, allowing U.S. law‑enforcement agencies to increase interdiction efforts and share intelligence more effectively. He cited recent data from the Drug Enforcement Administration indicating a modest decline in cocaine shipments originating from the Andean region, attributing the improvement to “enhanced joint operations” and “greater political stability” in the area.

The president’s remarks also suggested a possible shift in the United States’ stance toward Colombia and Bolivia, nations that have historically been key allies in anti‑drug initiatives. While no formal policy change was announced, Trump indicated that the administration is reviewing “all options” to ensure that partner countries meet U.S. expectations on governance and drug‑control measures. Analysts noted that any adjustment could affect existing aid programs and trade agreements, though the White House emphasized that any decision would be based on “objective performance metrics” and the overarching goal of reducing narcotics flow into the United States.