Nicolas Maduro on Puerto Rico
TL;DR
Nicolas Maduro vocally champions the military liberation of Puerto Rico from the United States to establish sovereignty.
Key Points
He called for the "liberation" of Puerto Rico from the United States, suggesting an invasion be launched by his allies.
He stated that the Venezuelan people would be waiting for any governor of Puerto Rico who supported an invasion against Venezuela, as reported in September 2025.
Following his capture by US forces, Nicolas Maduro was reportedly taken first to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, before being flown to New York.
Summary
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has explicitly called for a military campaign to bring about the "liberation" of Puerto Rico from the United States. This core position suggests an agenda directly opposing the island's current territorial status under US governance, which he frames as colonization. Maduro asserted his administration has an agenda of liberation, directly contrasting it with what he perceives as the US agenda of colonization in the region. Evidence of his hardline stance includes making provocative statements to local leaders and threatening an invasion.
His rhetoric often intersects with the US military presence in the Caribbean, especially following heightened tensions and US military operations in the region, such as those leading to his own capture. Maduro suggested that the people of Puerto Rico would oppose their territory being used as a military base against South American allies, implying local support for his position. Furthermore, during his capture, Maduro was reportedly transported through Puerto Rican territory, which was instrumental in the US operation against him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nicolas Maduro holds a strong, oppositional stance toward the current status of Puerto Rico, explicitly calling for its military "liberation" from the United States. He views the island's association with the US as an act of colonization that requires an agenda of liberation from his side. His position is frequently stated in the context of regional geopolitical conflict.
Yes, Nicolas Maduro has issued threats, including suggesting an invasion to liberate the island from US control. He also claimed that the people of Puerto Rico would oppose their territory being used as a US military base against Venezuela. These statements were made amidst escalating tensions and US military buildups in the Caribbean.
The provided information suggests his stance has been consistently in favor of Puerto Rican sovereignty and against US control, framing it as a consistent goal of liberation. There is no indication in the materials that his core position on opposing US sovereignty over the island has recently evolved or changed.
Sources5
Nicolás Maduro Calls for Puerto Rico Invasion to "Liberate" Island From US
Nicolas Maduro's Capture Has A Puerto Rico Angle
Maduro's First Stop: Puerto Rico
A timeline of U.S. military escalation against Venezuela leading to Maduro's capture
Puerto Rico and Venezuela
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.