US removes Venezuela from list of drug transit, production countries | Donald Trump News
Trump Administration Reconsiders Drug Transit Designations for South American Countries
Published on September 16, 2026
The Trump administration has announced its decision to remove Venezuela from the list of major drug transit or production countries, indicating that Colombia and Bolivia may also be reconsidered for this designation.
In a statement submitted to Congress on Tuesday, President Donald Trump attributed progress in combating narcotics in Venezuela to the removal of former leader Nicolás Maduro, whom he described as an “illegitimate dictator” and “drug trafficker.” Trump claimed that there have been positive developments in cooperation with Venezuela’s interim government, led by Delcy Rodriguez, in addressing cartel activities.
Maduro was apprehended by U.S. authorities in January and is currently facing drug trafficking charges at a federal court in New York City. The U.S. government has been coordinating with Rodriguez’s administration to facilitate American oil companies’ access to the country’s resources.
Federal law requires the president to report annually to lawmakers regarding other nations’ efforts to combat drug production and trafficking. Countries listed face restrictions on certain types of U.S. financial assistance.
In his report, Trump designated Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burma, and Colombia as having “failed demonstrably” in their anti-drug efforts, while also criticizing Mexico, Canada, Brazil, and Nicaragua.
Trump commended Bolivia and Colombia for recent electoral shifts, noting that new conservative leaders are expected to intensify efforts against coca cultivation and “narcoterrorist” groups. However, he stated that their current designations will remain in effect for the time being.
“The dramatic political changes in South America over the past year have created historic openings for United States cooperation with governments in the region,” Trump said, referencing a trend of right-wing leaders replacing left-leaning governments critical of U.S. policies.
Countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Peru, and Colombia are now governed by leaders who have aligned themselves with the Trump administration. Many of these nations have also joined the Shield of the Americas, a U.S.-led military and security alliance aimed at combating narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.
On Tuesday, the Trump administration also announced a redirection of $52 million in foreign military funding towards Latin America, shifting resources from partners in Europe and the Middle East.
