EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.,— Spain won their second World Cup title on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to claim the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The winning goal came in the second period of extra time, denying Argentina a chance to defend their 2022 crown in Qatar and preventing back-to-back titles for the Albiceleste.

Thousands of fans filled the 82,500-capacity stadium and surrounding areas as Spain’s players celebrated a hard-fought victory forged in extra time.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who was in attendance for the final, along with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, presented the World Cup trophy to Spain’s captain, Rodri, during the post-match ceremony.

A Clash of Footballing Dynasties

The final brought together two nations with deep World Cup histories.

Argentina entered the match seeking their fourth World Cup title, having previously won in 1978, 1986, and 2022. The runner-up finish leaves the Albiceleste with three stars, still behind Brazil (5) and level with France and England in total finals appearances of recent decades.

The Albiceleste have now appeared in six World Cup finals overall, with tonight’s result representing their second final defeat in the last four tournaments.

Spain, meanwhile, claimed their second World Cup crown, adding to their maiden title won in 2010 in South Africa. La Roja have long been considered one of Europe’s elite footballing powers, with a golden generation that dominated international football between 2008 and 2012, winning two European Championships alongside that first World Cup. This final appearance marked Spain’s second trip to the title match, and this time they converted the opportunity into a title.

The Road to the Final

Argentina’s journey to the MetLife Stadium final was defined by resilience and late-game heroics. In a dramatic semi-final against England at Atlanta Stadium, the defending champions came from behind to secure a thrilling victory.

England took the lead through Anthony Gordon, but Enzo Fernández equalized before Lautaro Martínez scored a late winner from a Lionel Messi cross.

The victory sent Argentina into another World Cup final and ended England’s run after a strong performance. Throughout the knockout rounds, Argentina’s matches were marked by tension and late drama, including a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Spain’s path to the final was built on tactical discipline and defensive organization. In the semi-finals, they delivered a 2-0 victory over France at Dallas Stadium, controlling possession and tempo while limiting France’s attacking chances.

Their performance reflected the balance in Luis de la Fuente’s side, combining technical ability going forward with defensive composure under pressure. Spain entered the final having conceded just once in regulation across the tournament, with goalkeeper Unai Simón recording multiple clean sheets, before a tense, goalless 90 minutes against Argentina pushed the final into extra time.

Third-Place Playoff: England Takes Bronze in Thriller

In the third-place playoff held on July 18 at Miami Stadium in Florida, England finished 3rd after defeating France 6-4 in a high-scoring match to claim the bronze medal. The match was the highest-scoring third-place playoff in World Cup history, and the first World Cup match in 44 years with 10 or more goals.

England secured their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament on home soil in 1966, earning their first bronze medal since 1990. England raced to a 4-0 halftime lead through goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and two from Bukayo Saka. France mounted a second-half comeback, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to bring the score to 4-3, but Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot and Jude Bellingham added a late goal to seal the 6-4 win.

France, the 2018 champions and 2022 runners-up, finished 4th, their worst placement since 2010, but secured their third consecutive top-four finish in World Cup competition. France has won two World Cup titles (1998 and 2018) and two European Championships (1984 and 2000).

Kylian Mbappé’s two goals in the playoff brought his tournament tally to 10, making him the World Cup’s top scorer for 2026.

Celebrations and Legacy

As the final whistle blew at MetLife Stadium after extra time, Spain’s players celebrated their second World Cup title while Argentina’s players were left to reflect on a final decided by the finest of margins.

For Lionel Messi, the defeat means his international career will not include a second consecutive World Cup, though his 2022 triumph remains intact.

The tournament marked FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, with host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico hosting a month of matches. Spain closed out the tournament with a 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina in the final.

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CARACAS,— Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to act as the country’s president on Saturday after Nicolás Maduro was arrested in an operation by U.S. forces early that morning.

The Constitutional Chamber of Venezuela’s Supreme Court ruled that Rodríguez will temporarily take on the duties of the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to ensure that government operations continue smoothly and national defense is maintained.

The court added that it will keep reviewing the situation to establish the legal procedures needed to maintain state functions, oversee the administration, and protect national sovereignty during the president’s involuntary absence.

Rodríguez addressed the nation on state television from Caracas, asserting that Maduro remains the country’s only president despite his capture.

Her statement contradicted earlier comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who had claimed Rodríguez had been “sworn in” as president and was “willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” adding that the U.S. would oversee the country in the immediate term.

Delcy Rodríguez, 56, was born in Caracas on May 18, 1969. She is the daughter of Jorge Antonio Rodríguez, who was a leftist guerrilla and established the revolutionary Liga Socialista party during the 1970s. Known for her staunch defense of Maduro’s government, she has been called a “tiger” by the president himself.

Rodríguez holds multiple government roles, including vice president and minister of finance and oil, making her a central figure in Venezuela’s economy.

She has implemented orthodox economic policies to counter high inflation and is influential among the country’s weakened private sector. She also serves as a close political partner to her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, head of the National Assembly legislature.

Her political career began as Communication and Information Minister from 2013 to 2014. She later served as foreign minister from 2014 to 2017, during which she attempted to attend a Mercosur trade bloc meeting in Buenos Aires after Venezuela was suspended.

In 2017, she led a pro-government Constituent Assembly, which expanded Maduro’s powers.

Rodríguez was named vice president in June 2018. Maduro described her as “a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary and tested in a thousand battles” when making the announcement on social media.

In August 2024, Maduro assigned her the oil ministry portfolio to manage escalating U.S. sanctions targeting Venezuela’s most critical industry.

On Saturday, Rodríguez also called on the U.S. government to provide proof of life for Maduro and his wife, while her current location remained uncertain. She is an attorney who graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela and is known for her interest in designer fashion.

(With files from Reuters)

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CARACAS, Venezuela,— The United States carried out a surprise overnight military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, according to statements from U.S. officials and Venezuelan ruling party members.

Maduro was taken from his residence inside a major military compound and flown out of the country, U.S. authorities said, marking one of the most dramatic U.S. actions against a sitting foreign leader in decades.

President Donald Trump confirmed the operation on Saturday during an interview with Fox News, saying the United States would remain deeply involved in determining Venezuela’s future. Trump said the operation was coordinated with U.S. law enforcement agencies and described it as successful.

The legal basis for the action was not immediately explained by U.S. officials. The operation drew comparisons from analysts and officials to the 1990 U.S. invasion of Panama, which led to the arrest of then leader Manuel Antonio Noriega.

That operation also involved U.S. troops seizing a head of state and transferring him to the United States to face criminal charges.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, would face prosecution in the United States. In a post on social media, Bondi said the couple would be tried in American courts following indictments issued in New York.

The Justice Department released a new indictment on Saturday that expands on earlier charges connected to alleged narco terrorism activities.

According to U.S. officials, Maduro and Flores were placed aboard the U.S. Navy warship Iwo Jima and transported toward New York. Trump said the couple would be formally processed through the U.S. justice system upon arrival.

Nahum Fernández, a senior leader in Venezuela’s ruling party, told the Associated Press that Maduro and his wife were inside their home at the Ft. Tiuna military complex when the U.S. operation began. He said the area was struck during the attack and described the incident as a seizure of the president and first lady.

Early Saturday morning, residents of Caracas reported hearing explosions and seeing aircraft flying at low altitude over the city. Venezuelan authorities accused the United States of striking both civilian and military targets. The government described the action as an imperialist attack and urged supporters to take to the streets in protest.

Under Venezuelan law, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez would assume power if the president is unable to govern. While no formal announcement of a transfer of power was made, Rodríguez issued a statement demanding proof of life for Maduro and Flores and condemned the U.S. operation.

Trump later posted online that Maduro and his wife had been captured and removed from Venezuela. He said a press conference would be held later Saturday to provide further details.

According to U.S. and Venezuelan officials, the military operation lasted less than half an hour. At least seven explosions were reported across Caracas, prompting residents to leave their homes and post videos and accounts on social media.

Rodríguez said Venezuelan civilians and members of the armed forces were killed during the strikes, though she did not provide a specific number. Trump said some U.S. service members were injured but that he believed no American deaths had occurred.

It remained unclear whether additional U.S. military actions were planned. Trump said the strikes achieved their objectives.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the precise destination of Maduro and Flores following their departure from Venezuelan territory.

Maduro was last seen publicly on Friday during a televised meeting with a Chinese delegation in Caracas, according to state media.

The operation followed months of heightened pressure by the Trump administration. U.S. military forces had increased their presence near South America, and U.S. authorities carried out multiple strikes on vessels accused of drug trafficking in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

According to the Trump administration, at least 35 vessels have been targeted since September, with at least 115 people reported killed. U.S. officials said the actions were part of what Trump has described as an armed conflict with drug cartels.

Last week, U.S. intelligence agencies were involved in a drone strike at a docking facility believed to be used by drug trafficking groups. Officials said it was the first known direct U.S. strike on Venezuelan territory during the current campaign.

Maduro had repeatedly accused Washington of using drug enforcement as a justification to remove him from office.

In Caracas, some neighborhoods saw an increase in armed civilians and members of pro government militias following the attack. In a traditionally pro government area, armed groups were seen patrolling streets.

At a rally in the capital, Mayor Carmen Meléndez joined supporters calling for Maduro’s return. Protesters gathered in central Caracas and chanted slogans in support of the president.

In other parts of the city, streets remained largely empty hours after the explosions. Some neighborhoods experienced power outages, though traffic continued in several areas.

Residents described fear and confusion. Noris Prada, a Caracas resident, said many families were unable to sleep and remained uncertain about what would happen next.

Verified video footage obtained by the Associated Press showed flashes of light, smoke, and tracer fire in Caracas and an unidentified coastal city. Other videos showed vehicles driving along highways as explosions lit up nearby hills.

Smoke was visible rising from a military hangar in Caracas, and another military installation lost electricity, according to officials.

The Venezuelan government said Maduro had ordered national defense plans to be activated and declared a state of emergency. The measure allows authorities to suspend certain civil rights and expand the role of the armed forces.

The U.S. Embassy website for Venezuela, which has remained closed since 2019, issued an advisory urging American citizens in the country to remain indoors.

International and political reactions began to emerge. The Federal Aviation Administration warned U.S. pilots to avoid airspace over Venezuela and Curacao due to ongoing military activity.

Members of Congress said they had not been formally notified of the operation. Lawmakers from both parties have previously questioned the legality of U.S. strikes in the region.

Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut said there was no public evidence justifying military action without congressional approval and called for an immediate briefing.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the capture of Maduro marked a turning point for Venezuela. Senator Marco Rubio reposted earlier statements questioning Maduro’s legitimacy.

Cuba condemned the operation, calling for an international response. Iran’s foreign ministry also issued a statement criticizing the strikes.

Argentine President Javier Milei praised Trump’s announcement, using a slogan associated with his political movement.

(With files from AP)

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White House Calls Award ‘Political’

OSLO,— Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for her role in opposing authoritarian rule in Venezuela, the Nobel Committee announced.

Machado, 58, an industrial engineer, has spent recent months in hiding after being banned from running against President Nicolas Maduro in the 2024 election. Maduro, in power since 2013, began a third term in January following a disputed vote.

Speaking by phone with Kristian Berg Harpviken, the committee’s secretary, Machado appeared emotional. “Oh my God, I have no words,” she said in a recording released by the committee. “This is not mine alone. It belongs to an entire society that refuses to give up.”

The White House criticized the decision, arguing it was politically motivated. The comments came just days after U.S. President Donald Trump announced progress in his efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

“President Trump will keep working to make peace, end wars, and save lives,” White House spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a post on X. “The Nobel Committee once again chose politics over peace.”

Maduro’s government remains under international pressure amid Venezuela’s severe economic collapse and political unrest. Washington continues to enforce sanctions and has increased the reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest.

“When authoritarians tighten their grip, recognizing those who stand up for freedom becomes vital,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in its statement announcing the award.

It was not immediately known whether Machado could travel safely to Oslo for the December 10 ceremony. If she is unable to attend, she would join past laureates who were prevented from doing so, including Andrei Sakharov in 1975, Lech Walesa in 1983, and Aung San Suu Kyi in 1991.

Machado is the first Venezuelan to win the Nobel Peace Prize and the sixth laureate from Latin America. The United Nations human rights office welcomed the decision, describing it as “a recognition of Venezuelans’ aspirations for free and fair elections.”

Committee chair Joergen Watne Frydnes said the award aims to strengthen democratic efforts. “We hope it inspires renewed energy for a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” he told reporters.

Human Rights Watch’s Americas Director Juanita Goebertus Estrada said the award could heighten global pressure on the Maduro government. Analysts said it also underscored the Nobel Committee’s independence.

“This shows the committee’s commitment to its own principles rather than political influence,” said Halvard Leira, research director at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs.

The United States has been a leading supporter of Venezuela’s opposition movement. In recent weeks, U.S. naval forces have intercepted several vessels suspected of carrying narcotics near Venezuelan waters.

President Trump has also warned that the U.S. may take action against drug cartels operating from the region.

A formal notice to Congress recently defined the conflict with cartels as a “non-international armed conflict,” providing legal grounds for continued U.S. strikes on vessels linked to trafficking operations.

Asked if Trump’s efforts in Gaza could make him a future Peace Prize contender, Frydnes said nominations would be considered according to the committee’s usual process. “It is not our task to speculate or guide political agendas,” he said.

The committee made its decision before Wednesday’s announcement of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, part of President Trump’s plan to end the conflict.

Analysts had predicted the Nobel Committee would likely avoid awarding him this year, given its preference for multilateral diplomacy.

The Peace Prize is the final Nobel announced this week, following those in medicine, physics, chemistry, and literature. Last year’s Peace Prize went to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese organization representing survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.

Valued at 11 million Swedish crowns, about 1.2 million dollars, the award will be presented in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

(With files from Reuters)

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WASHINGTON,— A new U.S. travel restriction targeting 12 countries is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time (0401 GMT) on Monday, according to a White House statement.

The order, issued by President Donald Trump, blocks entry into the United States for citizens from a group of nations the administration describes as security risks.

The ban includes travelers from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Citizens of seven additional countries — Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela — will face limited entry restrictions, the administration said.

The Trump administration cited concerns such as inadequate identity verification, poor visa enforcement, and failure to share criminal or security information as reasons for the policy. “Some of these countries have a significant terrorist presence or do not meet our visa requirements,” Trump said.

The president referenced an incident last Sunday in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian citizen reportedly threw a gasoline bomb into a crowd. Egypt is not included in the ban.

This measure follows Trump’s prior immigration restrictions during his first term, which barred entry from several Muslim-majority countries. That initial ban faced legal challenges but was later revised.

Officials in some of the affected nations responded with criticism. Chad’s President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno said his country would stop issuing visas to U.S. citizens in response.

“Chad may not have jets or billions to donate, but it has its pride,” Deby wrote on Facebook, appearing to contrast Chad with Qatar, which has provided luxury aircraft and financial support to the U.S.

Afghan nationals who worked with U.S. agencies voiced fears over the change, saying they could be left vulnerable to Taliban reprisals if their resettlement is blocked.

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat, denounced the action as “unconstitutional” in a post online Thursday night. “People have a right to seek asylum,” he added.

A similar executive order signed by Trump in 2017 barred travelers from six Muslim-majority nations but excluded Iraq following legal disputes.

(With files from Reuters)

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MONTEVIDEO,— José “Pepe” Mujica, Uruguay’s former president who transformed from a guerrilla fighter into one of Latin America’s most recognized political figures, died at age 89, President Yamandú Orsi announced Monday.

Mujica, who led Uruguay from 2010 to 2015, was widely admired for his austere lifestyle and liberal policies. He earned the moniker “the world’s poorest president” for refusing luxuries, preferring instead to live on a small flower farm in the outskirts of Montevideo and drive his aging Volkswagen Beetle.

“We say goodbye to our comrade Pepe Mujica with deep sorrow,” Orsi said in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Thank you for your commitment and for the love you gave to your people.”

During his presidency, Mujica advanced groundbreaking civil liberties legislation, including laws legalizing same-sex marriage and early-term abortion, as well as a pioneering move to regulate marijuana sales. At the time, the latter law made Uruguay one of the first countries to legalize cannabis nationally.

The changes marked a significant shift in a region where Catholic values strongly influence public policy. Mujica’s approach earned him respect far beyond Uruguay, with many viewing him as a symbol of integrity and progressive leadership.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva remembered Mujica as a statesman who stood for justice. “He was a tireless defender of democracy and equality,” Lula said. “His legacy goes beyond Uruguay’s borders.”

Born in 1935—though Mujica later claimed he was born in 1934—he grew up in what he described as “dignified poverty.” His father passed away during his childhood, and Mujica helped his mother raise chickens and grow flowers.

He started his political career in a progressive faction of the center-right National Party but later joined the Tupamaros, a Marxist guerrilla group, in the 1960s. The group carried out armed actions against Uruguay’s conservative government, including robberies and kidnappings.

Mujica was arrested multiple times and survived being shot six times in a gun battle. Following a 1973 military coup, he spent nearly 15 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. He escaped twice, once tunneling out of jail into a nearby house.

Upon Uruguay’s return to democracy in 1985, Mujica was released and re-entered politics. He became a key figure in the Broad Front, a left-leaning coalition, and served as minister of agriculture before being elected president.

Mujica won the presidency in 2009 with 52% of the vote, overcoming concerns about his radical past and age—he was 74 at the time. As president, he refused to live in the official residence and often appeared in public without a tie, eating at local diners among ordinary citizens.

“He never acted above anyone,” said Lucia Topolansky, Mujica’s wife and fellow former Tupamaro, who served as vice president from 2017 to 2020. The couple married in 2005 and were active in politics long after Mujica left office.

In a 2024 interview, Mujica said he still had his Beetle and that it was in “phenomenal” shape. But he preferred riding his tractor. “On the tractor, you have time to think,” he said.

He maintained his political influence by supporting leftist candidates and attending presidential inaugurations across Latin America. He and Topolansky stopped growing flowers but continued cultivating vegetables like tomatoes, which she pickled every season.

Critics questioned his disregard for formality and his unfiltered remarks, which sometimes sparked backlash. But many admired his authenticity and his belief in modesty and human dignity.

“The problem is the world is run by old people who forget they were young,” Mujica said in the 2024 interview. In his later years, he spoke candidly about aging, illness, and hope.

Diagnosed with cancer, Mujica reflected on life’s ups and downs. “Life is beautiful, but it wears you out,” he said. “The important thing is to start again every time you fall.”

(With files from Reuters)

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WASHINGTON,— U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday imposed sweeping tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, aiming to curb fentanyl smuggling and, in the case of Mexico and Canada, illegal immigration. The move threatens global economic growth and could drive inflation higher.

In three executive orders, Trump announced 25% tariffs on most Mexican and Canadian imports and 10% on goods from China, effective Tuesday. He said the tariffs would remain until the national emergency over fentanyl and illegal immigration is resolved, but the White House did not outline specific criteria for lifting them.

Mexico and Canada, the United States’ top trading partners, immediately vowed to retaliate. China stated it would challenge the tariffs at the World Trade Organization and take additional countermeasures.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, including beer, wine, lumber, and appliances. The first $30 billion in tariffs will take effect Tuesday, with the remainder following in three weeks. He warned that Trump’s tariffs would raise costs for U.S. consumers and disrupt supply chains, urging Canadians to avoid American products and travel.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that her administration would impose countermeasures, though she did not provide details.

China’s Commerce Ministry criticized Trump’s decision, urging the U.S. to address its fentanyl crisis “objectively and rationally.” It left the door open for further negotiations.

Trump set a lower, 10% tariff on Canadian energy imports in response to concerns from oil refiners and Midwestern states, while Mexican energy imports will face the full 25% duty.

Automakers will be hit particularly hard, as vehicles and parts cross North American borders multiple times before final assembly. The tariffs could upend this supply chain, affecting production costs and jobs.

Despite warnings from economists about potential economic harm, Trump has long signaled his intention to implement these measures, fulfilling campaign promises. Republicans have largely supported the move, while Democrats and industry groups have warned of rising consumer prices.

National Foreign Trade Council President Jake Colvin criticized the tariffs, saying they would increase the cost of “everything from avocados to automobiles.” He urged all three countries to seek a resolution to prevent further escalation.

The tariffs are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday, according to Trump’s order. Imports already in transit before that time will be exempt.

Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act to justify the tariffs. Legal experts suggest they could face legal challenges. Democratic lawmakers Suzan DelBene and Don Beyer called the move “a blatant abuse of executive power.”

In Canada, outrage was evident, with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston ordering all U.S.-imported alcohol removed from store shelves. At a National Hockey League game in Ottawa, the U.S. national anthem was booed following the tariff announcement.

Market volatility followed, with the Mexican peso and Canadian dollar dropping, U.S. stock prices falling, and Treasury bond yields rising.

Trump warned of additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, semiconductor chips, and pharmaceuticals. White House officials stated that if Canada, Mexico, or China retaliated, the administration would consider raising tariffs further.

Less than two weeks into his second term, Trump’s actions are reshaping U.S. trade policy, straining relations with key allies, and setting the stage for a prolonged economic battle.

(With files from Reuters)

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CARACAS, — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was inaugurated for a third term on Friday despite widespread international criticism, allegations of electoral fraud, and escalating tensions with the United States. His presidency, now in its 12th year, has been marked by a severe economic and humanitarian crisis.

Maduro was declared the winner of Venezuela’s controversial July 2023 election by the nation’s electoral authority and supreme court. However, the detailed vote counts confirming his victory have not been released, fueling accusations of irregularities.

Opposition groups claim ballot-level data points to a decisive victory for Edmundo Gonzalez, who is recognized as Venezuela’s president-elect by several countries, including the U.S.

International election monitors have deemed the July vote undemocratic. Gonzalez, who fled to Spain in September following threats to his safety, has been rallying support across the Americas. Meanwhile, his ally María Corina Machado, now in hiding within Venezuela, called for continued resistance.

In a video message released Friday, Machado urged Gonzalez to postpone his return to Venezuela, citing concerns for his safety. “Edmundo will assume the role of constitutional president when the time is right,” she said.

“Today is not that day. His safety is critical for the eventual restoration of democracy.” She also called for widespread street protests to oppose Maduro’s government.

Maduro’s administration, which has accused the opposition of attempting to overthrow the government, has offered a $100,000 reward for Gonzalez’s capture and vowed to arrest him if he returns.

Speaking from the Dominican Republic, Gonzalez vowed to press forward. “Soon, very soon, we will enter Venezuela and bring this tragedy to an end,” he said, urging the military to disobey orders from Maduro that he called “illegal.”

In Washington, the U.S. government raised its reward for Maduro’s capture to $25 million, citing drug trafficking charges. Similar rewards were announced for key figures in Maduro’s administration, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

The move came as part of a coordinated effort with Britain, the European Union, and Canada, all of which imposed sanctions targeting top officials, including members of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council and the state oil company PDVSA.

Maduro dismissed the sanctions during his inauguration speech, labeling them an act of “economic warfare.” “The outgoing U.S. administration is desperate for revenge,” he said.

The U.S., however, reiterated its stance. “The Venezuelan people and the world understand the truth—Maduro lost the 2024 presidential election,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “We do not recognize him as the legitimate president of Venezuela.”

Later on Friday, Defense Minister Padrino led a ceremony reaffirming the military’s allegiance to Maduro, a crucial pillar of his grip on power.

The situation underscores the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela, with the international community divided over how to address the crisis and restore democracy.

(With files from Reuters)

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PALM BEACH,— U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday declined to rule out military or economic measures in pursuing the acquisition of the Panama Canal and Greenland, highlighting a controversial expansionist vision he has promoted since winning the November 5 election.

Trump, who is set to take office on January 20, 2025, suggested the moves were crucial for “economic security” during a press conference at his Florida resort. He also proposed making Canada a U.S. state, demanded NATO allies increase defense spending, and floated renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

“No, I can’t assure you,” Trump said when asked if he would refrain from coercive actions in these efforts. “We need these assets for economic security.” Trump further criticized trade with Canada and U.S. defense spending in the region, calling the border between the two countries an “artificial line.”

The comments sparked sharp rebukes from international leaders. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed that Greenland, an autonomous territory under Denmark, is not for sale. Frederiksen stressed that close allies should not fight over finances.

Trump has previously described Greenland as vital to U.S. national security. His son, Donald Trump Jr., visited the island this week, though no official statements were made about the trip.

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly dismissed Trump’s remarks as “threats” and tweeted, “Canada will never back down. Our economy and people are strong.”

Panama also rejected the suggestion of U.S. control over its waterway. “The Panama Canal belongs to Panamanians, and it will remain that way,” said Panama’s Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha.

Trump called for NATO members to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, far exceeding the current 2% target. “They should be at 5%, not 2%. It’s only fair,” Trump said, reiterating complaints about unequal financial contributions.

NATO estimates show only 23 of its 32 members will meet the 2% target in 2024. Poland, at 4.12%, currently leads spending as a percentage of GDP.

The President-elect also addressed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, issuing a warning to Hamas regarding hostages abducted during the October 2023 attacks. Trump warned, If they are not released by January 20, “all hell will break out in the Middle East”

His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated ongoing negotiations but provided no specifics.

Trump defended Elon Musk’s involvement in foreign policy discussions after the billionaire voiced support for Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany party.

“Elon is a smart guy, and he’s doing a good job,” Trump said, while downplaying concerns about Musk’s political statements.

Trump’s remarks have drawn comparisons to 19th-century imperialism and prompted criticism from experts, including Ambassador Daniel Fried, who warned that such policies could undermine NATO unity.

(With files from Reuters)

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CARACAS,— Protests erupted across Venezuela as opposition leaders claimed they had conclusive proof of election fraud in the recent presidential vote, which saw socialist President Nicolas Maduro declared the winner. Demonstrations intensified in the capital, Caracas, where police responded with tear gas.

The controversy began when the election board, which critics argue is controlled by Maduro’s government, announced on Monday that he had secured a third term with 51% of the vote. This result extends the socialist “Chavista” movement’s 25-year hold on power. However, the opposition contended that their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, had won decisively, with access to 73% of the vote tallies showing he received more than double the votes cast for Maduro.

In response, Venezuelans took to the streets in a traditional “cacerolazo” protest, banging pots and pans in defiance. Roads were blocked, fires were lit, and petrol bombs were thrown at police, as unrest spread nationwide, including near the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas.

“We are exhausted by this government and demand change. We want freedom in Venezuela and for our families to return,” said a masked protester, alluding to the mass emigration that has seen a third of Venezuelans leave the country in recent years.

Law enforcement, equipped with shields and batons, deployed tear gas to disperse protests in Caracas and Maracay. Demonstrators, many on motorbikes, clogged the streets, waving the Venezuelan flag and covering their faces to shield against tear gas.

The government labeled the demonstrators as violent agitators. “I will fight for my country’s democracy. This election was stolen from us,” declared another protester.

In Coro, the capital of Falcon state, protestors celebrated as they dismantled a statue of the late president Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor who led the country from 1999 until his death in 2013.

The Venezuelan Conflict Observatory, a local monitoring group, reported 187 protests across 20 states by 6 p.m. on Monday, noting numerous incidents of violence and repression by paramilitary groups and security forces.

In a live broadcast from the presidential palace, Maduro asserted that his forces were maintaining order. The armed forces, which have historically backed Maduro, showed no signs of defection. “We are monitoring all acts of violence incited by the extreme right,” Maduro stated. “We’ve seen this scenario before.”

The unrest has resulted in at least two deaths linked to the vote count and subsequent protests, one in Tachira and another in Maracay.

Maduro, a 61-year-old former union leader and foreign minister, first won the presidency in 2013 following Chavez’s death and was re-elected in 2018. The opposition has consistently alleged electoral fraud in both elections. Maduro’s tenure has seen economic collapse, mass migration, and deteriorating relations with the West, exacerbated by U.S. and EU sanctions that have further crippled the struggling oil industry.

Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino warned against allowing a repeat of the violent protests seen in 2014, 2017, and 2019, which resulted in hundreds of deaths but failed to unseat Maduro.

Independent pollsters have questioned the credibility of Maduro’s victory, while international governments, including Washington, have called for a thorough vote count. “Not even Maduro believes in the electoral sham he is celebrating,” remarked Argentina’s President Javier Milei.

In response to the election results, Peru expelled Venezuelan diplomats, citing the “serious and arbitrary decisions” made by the Venezuelan regime. Conversely, Maduro received backing from political allies such as Russia and Cuba. Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an open invitation to Maduro, and Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel congratulated him for “cleanly and unequivocally defeating the pro-imperialist opposition.”

The Organization of American States announced a meeting in Washington on Wednesday to address the situation in Venezuela. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, barred from running in the election but a leading figure in Gonzalez’s campaign, called for continued demonstrations.

“My dear Venezuelans, tomorrow we gather as a family, organized and determined to ensure every vote is counted and the truth is upheld,” she declared.

Pro-Maduro rallies are also being planned by the government.

(With files from Reuters)

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