‘Stop Slandering Me’: Colombian President Petro Hits Back at Trump Amid Venezuela Crisis

Diplomatic tensions across the Americas sharpened on Sunday after Colombian President Gustavo Petro publicly pushed back against remarks by US President Donald Trump, asking him to "stop slandering" Colombia's leadership.

The exchange came as Washington confirmed the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and declared an interim US role in governing Venezuela, triggering swift international reactions.

Petro rebukes Trump over accusations

Petro rejected claims made by Trump, including allegations linking him to drug trafficking, and described the comments as baseless and inflammatory. His response signalled Bogotá's unease with Washington's rhetoric at a moment when the region is already unsettled by the fallout from the Venezuela operation.

US declares interim role after Maduro's capture

US authorities said Maduro and his wife were detained by American forces on Saturday and transported to New York, where he is expected to face criminal charges. Addressing the situation, Trump said the United States would assume control in Venezuela until a political handover could be arranged.

"We're going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition," he said.

Caracas moves to ensure continuity of government

With Maduro absent, Venezuela's Supreme Court appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president. The court said it would continue deliberations to "determine the applicable legal framework to guarantee the continuity of the State, the administration of government, and the defense of sovereignty in the face of the forced absence of the President of the Republic," according to Reuters.

The ruling was framed as a measure to maintain institutional stability while the legal and political path ahead is assessed.

World reacts with condemnation and calls for restraint

Major powers and regional leaders criticised the US military action. China said it was "deeply shocked and strongly condemns the use of force by the US against a sovereign country and the use of force against the president of a country".

Russia labelled the operation "an act of armed aggression against Venezuela" that was "deeply concerning and condemnable".

"In the current situation, it is important, first and foremost, to prevent further escalation and to focus on finding a way out of the situation through dialogue," Russia's foreign ministry said.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva warned that the strikes crossed a red line. "The bombings on Venezuelan territory and the capture of its president cross an unacceptable line. These acts represent a grave affront to Venezuela's sovereignty and yet another extremely dangerous precedent for the entire international community," he said.

India also weighed in, voicing "deep concern" and urging diplomacy. "India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela. We call upon all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region," the Ministry of External Affairs said.