Trump Removes Venezuela From US 'Failed Demonstrably' Drug-Control Blacklist

President Trump's annual Presidential Determination on Major Drug Transit or Major Illicit Drug Producing Countries, released September 16, removed Venezuela from the list of countries that have 'failed demonstrably' to meet international drug-control commitments — the first such removal for Venezuela in more than two decades. Trump's determination stated: 'Given the positive advances achieved under the leadership of Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, I have determined that Venezuela should no longer be designated as having failed demonstrably.' Venezuela remains listed as a major drug transit country for fiscal year 2027, and the administration said it expects continued, measurable progress from the interim government in dismantling narco-trafficking networks. The decision follows Maduro's January capture and the killing of gang leader José Antonio Tovar ('El Niño Guerrero'); Trump indicated he may consider similar treatment for Colombia.