Puerto Rico Governor Urges Trump on Maduro Threat

Puerto Rico's Governor Jenniffer González-Colón has urged President-elect Donald Trump to respond swiftly to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's recent threat to invade the U.S. territory, which she described as a direct challenge to American sovereignty and national security. In her letter, González-Colón emphasized Puerto Rico's strategic importance, highlighting military installations like Fort Buchanan and the U.S. Coast Guard's role in combating drug trafficking. Maduro, who recently began a disputed third term, claimed he would seek 'liberation' for Puerto Rico with Brazilian military support, a statement viewed as politically motivated by many analysts. The governor asserted that Puerto Ricans have consistently rejected independence, with a recent referendum showing strong support for statehood. While experts consider the likelihood of an invasion implausible, they view Maduro's threats as an attempt to distract from his domestic issues and international isolation. The Biden administration has previously maintained sanctions against Maduro and supported the Venezuelan opposition, a stance likely to influence the incoming administration's response to the situation.