NextFin news, On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly demanded that Venezuela accept the return of criminals and mentally ill individuals who, according to Trump, were sent from Venezuela to the United States. This demand was made amid ongoing tensions between the two nations.
Trump accused the Venezuelan government of offloading prisoners and people from mental institutions onto the U.S., a claim he has made previously without presenting evidence. He warned that Venezuela would pay a high price if it failed to readmit these individuals.
The demand was issued in the context of strained diplomatic relations, with Trump’s administration having previously taken a hard stance against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government, including sanctions and military pressure in the Caribbean region.
In response, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has proposed direct talks with U.S. representatives to address bilateral issues, including drug trafficking allegations and regional security concerns. Maduro denies Venezuela is a major drug corridor and has criticized U.S. military actions near Venezuelan waters.
The Trump administration’s demand and Maduro’s offer for dialogue highlight the ongoing complex and tense relationship between the two countries, with the U.S. focusing on security and immigration issues, while Venezuela seeks to defend its sovereignty and political legitimacy.
Sources for this report include El Comercio and El Nuevo Día, which have covered the statements and diplomatic exchanges between Trump and Maduro as of September 23, 2025.
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