US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a blunt warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, telling him to “watch his a**” in the aftermath of a dramatic US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The remarks have added to growing diplomatic tensions across Latin America following what Washington described as a decisive intervention in Venezuela.

Speaking to reporters hours after Maduro was flown out of Venezuela, Trump accused Petro of failing to curb drug production and trafficking. “He’s making cocaine, and they’re sending it into the United States, so he does have to watch his ass,” Trump said, escalating his long-running war of words with the Colombian leader.

Petro Condemns US Action

The warning came after the United States launched coordinated overnight strikes across Venezuela, targeting military and strategic installations before special forces captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump later announced that Washington would temporarily oversee Venezuela’s administration, describing it as a necessary step to ensure a “safe, proper and judicious transition.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro swiftly condemned the US operation, calling it an “assault on the sovereignty” of Latin America. In a post on X, Petro said Colombia had convened an emergency national security meeting and deployed additional forces along the Colombia–Venezuela border. He warned of a possible “massive influx of refugees” fleeing Venezuela amid the strikes and political uncertainty. Petro also said Colombia would push for international intervention, urging the United Nations Security Council to address what he described as aggression against Venezuela and the wider region.

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Trump Signals Broader Latin America Stance

Trump also used the moment to signal a tougher US stance across Latin America. He suggested Washington would protect its strategic and energy interests in Venezuela, while hinting at future pressure on countries such as Mexico and Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that governments in Havana should be “concerned” by Washington’s next moves.

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As Maduro remains in US custody and Venezuela’s future hangs in the balance, Trump’s sharp warning to Petro has underscored how the crisis is rapidly reshaping political fault lines across the hemisphere.