Senator Rick Scott has renewed his call for a $100 million reward for Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro. The Florida Republican made his statement on Tuesday, the same day the United States carried out a deadly strike on a speedboat linked to drug trafficking.
The senator urged Congress to pass his legislation, known as the Stop Maduro Act, which would raise the current reward. Washington already offers up to $50 million for information leading to Maduro’s arrest and conviction. Scott wants the amount increased to $100 million, arguing that Maduro poses a direct threat to U.S. security.
U.S. Strike in the Caribbean
Scott’s call came hours after President Donald Trump announced that U.S. forces had destroyed a drug-carrying boat in the southern Caribbean. The strike killed 11 people who U.S. officials said were members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang that the U.S. earlier this year labeled a terrorist organization. Washington claims the group operates under the control of Nicolás Maduro.
Caracas denies the link. Venezuela’s information minister, Freddy Ñáñez, even suggested that footage of the strike could be artificial intelligence-generated, though he offered no proof.
The strike is seen as a clear escalation in tensions between the two countries. It follows weeks of U.S. military activity in the region, including the deployment of warships, Marines, and a nuclear submarine near Venezuela’s coast.
Why the Bounty Matters
Senator Scott first introduced the Stop Maduro Act in September 2024. The bill, co-sponsored with Marco Rubio, now Secretary of State, aims to raise the maximum bounty on Maduro. The plan proposes using seized assets to fund the reward.
In his post on X, Scott wrote, “Maduro and his thugs’ threats are yet another reason why we must pass my STOP MADURO Act and raise his bounty to $100,000,000 ASAP.”
The White House had only recently doubled the bounty to $50 million. Scott argues this is still not enough to bring about Maduro’s arrest.
In related U.S. politics, Trump recently addressed rumors about his health. Read more here.
Maduro’s Response
Maduro has accused the U.S. of aggression. On Monday, he warned that Venezuela was “super-prepared” to resist any American intervention. He said his country would be ready for an armed struggle if the U.S. attempted military action.
The Venezuelan leader has also rejected claims that he leads criminal groups. However, Washington portrays him not as the legitimate head of state, but as the leader of a “narco-terror cartel.”
Following disputed elections last year, the U.S. and several democratic countries recognized Edmundo González as Venezuela’s rightful president. For this reason, Washington continues to target Maduro with sanctions, designations, and now military pressure.
Wider U.S. Strategy
The Trump administration has expanded its efforts to fight drug cartels across Latin America. Groups such as Tren de Aragua, Mexico’s cartels, and El Salvador’s MS-13 have been labeled Foreign Terrorist Organizations. This designation allows U.S. officials to treat cartel activity as a national security threat, opening the door to military action without a formal declaration of war.
In July, the U.S. Treasury also named the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles, which it says is led by Nicolás Maduro, as a terrorist group. Sanctions experts argue this reflects a shift in U.S. policy from traditional law enforcement to a broader financial and security approach.
What Happens Next
For now, the focus is on whether Senator Scott’s proposal will gain enough support in Congress to pass. His push adds political pressure at a moment when U.S. military operations near Venezuela are intensifying.
Meanwhile, Trump has signaled that more actions could follow. “Let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. Beware!” he said after confirming the strike.
Caracas continues to reject the U.S. narrative. The next steps by Nicolás Maduro will be closely watched, as will Washington’s military buildup in the Caribbean. The situation could shape not only U.S.–Venezuela relations but also regional stability in the months ahead.
