Trump Doubles Bounty — $50 Million Now on Maduro’s Head Amid Narco-Terror Probe

Washington, D.C. — August 8, 2025

In a dramatic escalation of the U.S. government's efforts to hold Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accountable, the Trump administration has announced it will double the reward for information leading to his arrest—from $25 million to a staggering $50 million.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, delivering the announcement via video on X (formerly Twitter), condemned Maduro as one of the world’s most prolific narco-traffickers, accusing him of working with violent criminal networks like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel to flood U.S. streets with fentanyl-laced cocaine.
ReutersAP NewsEl País

A Bounty with Growing Stakes

Maduro was first indicted in Manhattan federal court in 2020 on counts of narco‑terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. At that time, the U.S. offered a $15 million bounty. The figure rose to $25 million under the Biden administration—matching the reward once offered for Osama bin Laden. Now, the Trump administration has once again doubled the stake.
ReutersAP NewsDiario AS

According to AG Bondi, U.S. agencies have already seized over $700 million in assets tied to Maduro, including private jets and luxury vehicles. She also revealed that the DEA has confiscated 30 tons of cocaine related to Maduro, with nearly seven tons linked directly to him.
New York PostAP News

Broader Geopolitical Context

This move reflects a broader intensification of U.S.–Venezuela tensions, not only rooted in Maduro’s controversial re-election in 2024—which Washington and several allied nations reject—but also in long-standing allegations of narco-terrorism and human rights abuses.
Wikipedia+1

Notably, independent media and legal analysts have described the reward as the largest ever offered by the U.S., heightening international focus.
ReutersBloomberg.com

Political Strategy and Impacts

This escalation serves a clear political function: it underscores President Trump’s hardline posture on authoritarian regimes and narcotics, appealing to domestic voters concerned with border security and rule of law—especially amid a wave of sweeping executive actions including tariffs, immigration restrictions, and educational policy shifts.
AP News

Critics, however, argue that the offering risks being seen as political theater—one more component of a bold promotional strategy rather than a solely judicial move.

Maduro Regime Response

As of now, Maduro’s regime has not publicly responded to the $50 million bounty. However, prior reactions have dismissed such U.S. efforts as “U.S. interference” and propaganda, with leaders in Caracas denouncing them as coercive tactics against Venezuela’s sovereignty.
ElHuffPostWikipedia

What Comes Next

The increased reward is expected to draw attention from international law enforcement, diaspora groups, and intelligence networks. While a substantial sum, its effectiveness will hinge on actionable intelligence and credible leads capable of breaking Maduro’s inner circle.