In a decisive response to Nicolás Maduro’s controversial presidential inauguration on January 10, 2025, the United States has imposed a new wave of sanctions and diplomatic measures aimed at supporting democracy in Venezuela and countering Maduro’s illegitimate claim to power.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken condemned Maduro’s inauguration as a “desperate attempt to seize power,” emphasizing that the Venezuelan people and the global community recognize the results of the 2024 presidential election, which Maduro lost. Blinken affirmed that the United States does not acknowledge the National Electoral Council’s announcement claiming Maduro as the election winner and reiterated support for President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, urging a peaceful democratic transition.
Expanded Sanctions and Reward Offers
The U.S. Department of State has escalated its efforts by increasing reward offers to up to $25 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Nicolás Maduro and his Minister of Interior, Diosdado Cabello. A new reward of $15 million has also been announced for Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López. These actions are tied to criminal narcotrafficking indictments first publicized in March 2020.
Additionally, the State Department is imposing further visa restrictions on nearly 2,000 individuals linked to Maduro’s regime, targeting those involved in electoral interference and acts of repression.
Treasury Sanctions on Maduro’s Allies
The U.S. Department of Treasury simultaneously sanctioned eight Maduro-aligned individuals, including members of Venezuela’s security forces and political figures accused of supporting Maduro’s illegitimate claim to power and repressive actions against opposition voices. This marks the third wave of such sanctions since Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, elections. To date, a total of 187 individuals associated with Maduro’s regime have been sanctioned for efforts to suppress democratic opposition.
International Coordination
These actions align with parallel measures imposed by Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, demonstrating broad international solidarity in pressuring Maduro’s regime while supporting the Venezuelan people.
Temporary Protected Status Extension
In a separate move, the Department of Homeland Security has extended Venezuela’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis fueled by the Maduro government’s political and economic mismanagement. The TPS extension ensures protection for Venezuelans already residing in the United States, provided they meet strict vetting and security criteria.
A Call for Justice and Democracy
The U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people, calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners detained for expressing dissent. Secretary Blinken emphasized that Venezuelans must be able to express their political views peacefully without fear of reprisals.
These actions are part of broader measures under Executive Orders 13692 and 13857, which authorize sanctions against individuals undermining democracy in Venezuela. The U.S. government continues to stand with the Venezuelan people in their pursuit of justice, freedom, and the restoration of democracy.