Trump Removes Venezuela From US Drug-Control Failure List

President Donald Trump removed Venezuela from the list of countries that have failed demonstrably to fulfill drug-control commitments, ending a non-compliant status held since 2005. The decision follows the January arrest of former President Nicolas Maduro in a U.S. raid and the subsequent establishment of an interim government under Delcy Rodriguez. Trump credited the removal to improved cooperation against cartels, specifically citing the killing of Tren de Aragua gang leader Niño Guerrero.

Concurrent with this shift, the U.S. has expanded economic ties with Venezuela. The administration signed a historic oil agreement on August 30 granting a U.S.-led company 100-year concessions over 17 oilfields, while Continental Resources signed a memorandum of understanding with PDVSA to develop the Ayacucho 2 area.

In contrast, the U.S. kept Colombia on the decertified list for a second consecutive year, citing record cocaine production under former President Gustavo Petro. However, Trump granted Colombia a waiver to avoid security and financial sanctions, expressing confidence in newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella. Trump indicated he would consider lifting Colombia's status in 2027 if the new government makes progress on coca eradication and dismantling narcoterrorist networks.

Colombia's ambassador to the U.S., María Consuelo Araújo, described the decertification as a reflection of the previous administration's misgovernment. President de la Espriella has since pledged an aggressive campaign against illicit crops and has informally joined the U.S. Government's Shield of the Americas program. Afghanistan, Bolivia, and Burma also remain on the failure list, though Trump suggested Bolivia may be removed if it demonstrates further progress.