Puerto Rico’s governor is urging swift action from President-elect Donald Trump after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro called for the “liberation” of the U.S. territory. Governor Jenniffer González-Colón described Maduro’s comments as a direct threat to U.S. sovereignty and security.
In a letter to Trump, González emphasized Puerto Rico’s strategic role, highlighting key military installations like Fort Buchanan and Muñiz Air National Guard Base, as well as U.S. Coast Guard and Customs operations that combat regional drug trafficking. She warned that Maduro’s remarks, made during an event in Caracas, could signal broader attempts to undermine U.S. influence in the region.
Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro called for an invasion of Puerto Rico, an open threat to the United States and our national security. I sent a letter to President @realDonaldTrump, trusting his administration will swiftly respond and make clear to the Maduro narco-regime that… pic.twitter.com/fmq32X793n
— Jenniffer González (@Jenniffer) January 13, 2025
Maduro, recently sworn in for a disputed third term amid allegations of election fraud, claimed Puerto Rico’s “liberation” would involve Brazilian military support. His remarks come as he faces international condemnation, with the U.S. offering a $25 million reward for his arrest.
The United States and other governments recognize opposition leader Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s July election.
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González noted Puerto Rico’s long-standing rejection of independence, pointing to a 2024 nonbinding referendum where 57 percent of voters supported statehood. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory since 1898, has held U.S. citizenship since 1917, but residents cannot vote in general elections or elect voting members to Congress. Any change to its status requires congressional approval.
Experts dismissed Maduro’s statements as political rhetoric. Analysts note that Puerto Rico’s electorate has consistently supported closer ties with the U.S., and the likelihood of an invasion is considered implausible. Observers also view Maduro’s comments as an attempt to distract from his domestic challenges and international isolation.
The Biden administration, which remains in office until Jan. 20, has maintained sanctions on Maduro’s regime and supported Venezuela’s opposition. As Trump prepares to take office, questions remain about how his administration will approach U.S. relations with Venezuela and Puerto Rico’s statehood ambitions.
González has called for strong leadership to reaffirm U.S. support for its territories and counter Maduro’s efforts to destabilize the region. Analysts caution that failing to support Venezuela’s opposition could strengthen Maduro’s grip on power.
