Trump threatens multiple countries after Maduro’s capture: Warns Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Mexico and Iran

US President Donald Trump, less than 48 hours after his forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, issued a series of stark warnings and threats targeting governments across Latin America and beyond, including Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Mexico and Iran.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump widened his rhetoric far beyond Venezuela, signalling a more aggressive and confrontational US posture across the hemisphere and other strategic regions.

Colombia: ‘A sick man’ running Bogota

Trump singled out Colombia and its left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, accusing him of drug trafficking and openly hinting at US military action.

“Venezuela and Colombia are very sick,” Trump said, adding that the Colombian government was run by “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

Referring directly to Petro, Trump warned, “And he’s not going to be doing it very long. Let me tell you.”

When asked whether he meant a US operation against Colombia, Trump replied, “Sounds good to me.”

Cuba: ‘Ready to fall’

Trump also predicted the collapse of Cuba’s communist government, arguing that the island had lost its main economic lifeline following Maduro’s removal.

“Cuba is ready to fall,” Trump said. “Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it. Cuba literally is ready to fall.”

He added that direct US military intervention in Cuba would be unnecessary because the regime was already on the brink.

Greenland: ‘We need Greenland’

Reviving a long-standing demand, Trump again threatened to take control of Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory, claiming it was vital for US national security.

“We need Greenland,” Trump said. “It’s so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, and Denmark is not going to be able to do it.”

He went on to claim European backing for the move, saying, “The European Union needs us to have it, and they know that.”

Venezuela: Warning to interim leadership

Despite Maduro’s capture, Trump left the door open to further action in Venezuela, issuing a warning to interim president Delcy Rodríguez.

Trump said there would be “severe consequences” if the Venezuelan leadership failed to cooperate with Washington, signalling that US involvement in the country was far from over.

Iran: ‘They’re going to get hit very hard’

Trump also issued a warning to Iran amid reports of protests over the country’s struggling economy, drawing a red line over the use of force against demonstrators.

“If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they’re going to get hit very hard by the United States,” Trump said.

Asked about reports of protesters being killed and his earlier “locked and loaded” comment, Trump added, “We’ll take a look. We’re watching it very closely.”

Trump warns Mexico over drugs, offers to send US troops

Trump issued a fresh warning to Mexico over drug trafficking, saying the country “has to get their act together” as narcotics continue to flow into the United States.

Trump said drugs were “pouring through Mexico” and suggested Washington may be forced to take action if the situation does not improve.

“They have to get their act together because they’re pouring through Mexico and we’re going to have to do something,” Trump said.

Trump said he has repeatedly offered to send US troops to Mexico to help combat powerful drug cartels, describing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum in positive terms.

“She’s a terrific person,” Trump said, adding that he had made the offer “every time” he spoke to her.

While saying the Mexican government is capable of tackling the drug trade, Trump argued that criminal groups wield enormous influence in the country. “The Mexican government is capable of doing it, but unfortunately, the cartels are very strong in Mexico,” he said.

India: Tariff threat over Russian oil

Trump hinted at punitive trade action against India over its continued purchases of Russian oil, suggesting tariffs could be raised quickly.

“Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy,” Trump said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy.”

“They do trade and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly,” Trump added.

Escalating rhetoric after Maduro arrest

Trump’s remarks come amid international backlash over the US operation that seized Maduro in Caracas on Saturday (January 3), which Washington described as a law enforcement mission tied to narcotics charges.

Critics have accused the US of violating international law and seeking control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, claims the Trump administration has denied.