The United States has removed Venezuela from its list of major drug transit and production countries, with President Trump citing progress against narcotics since Maduro's removal.
Key facts
- The US has removed Venezuela from its list of major drug transit and production countries.
- President Trump said Venezuela has made progress against narcotics since Maduro's removal.
- Trump indicated Colombia and Bolivia could also be removed from the list.
- The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera on September 16, 2026.
The United States has removed Venezuela from its official list of major drug transit and production countries, according to Al Jazeera. The decision marks a notable shift in Washington’s assessment of the South American nation’s role in the international narcotics trade.
President Donald Trump said the country has made progress against narcotics since the removal of Maduro, according to the report. The president tied the delisting directly to changes on the ground following that development.
Trump also signaled that the move may not be limited to Venezuela. According to Al Jazeera, he indicated that Colombia and Bolivia could also be removed from the list, suggesting a broader reassessment of how Washington evaluates drug-producing and transit countries in the region.
The list of major drug transit and production countries is used by the US government to formally identify nations considered significant in the flow or manufacture of illicit narcotics. Being named on or removed from the list carries diplomatic weight in Washington’s relations with the countries involved.
The details available on the announcement are limited, and the reporting from Al Jazeera focuses on Trump’s characterization of the decision and his statements about potential future changes involving Colombia and Bolivia.
Why it matters
Placement on or removal from the US drug list shapes how Washington engages diplomatically with countries in the region. The change signals a shift in the US assessment of Venezuela and hints at possible further changes affecting Colombia and Bolivia.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the US remove Venezuela from the drug list?
According to Al Jazeera, President Trump said Venezuela has made progress against narcotics since Maduro's removal.
Could other countries be removed from the list?
Yes. Trump indicated that Colombia and Bolivia may also be removed, according to Al Jazeera.
What is the list?
It is the US list of major drug transit and production countries, used to identify nations considered significant in the illicit narcotics trade.