Puerto Rico Governor Jennifer González-Colón has called on President-elect Donald Trump to address a security threat posed by Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who recently discussed invading Puerto Rico.
In a letter dated addressed to Trump's his Mar-a-Lago estate, González-Colón described Maduro's comments as a "desperate attempt to cling to power" following an "illegitimate swearing-in ceremony."
"This is an open threat to the United States, our national security, and stability in the region," González-Colón wrote, urging the incoming administration to respond decisively. She emphasized that the U.S. would not tolerate threats from what she referred to as "petty, murderous dictators."
Maduro claimed a third term in office despite widespread international and domestic opposition, as well as fraud accusations. The U.S. and several other countries recognize Edmundo González Urrutia as the rightful winner of the election. Maduro said last week that Venezuela, along with allies Cuba and Nicaragua is "preparing" for the possibility of armed conflict.
In another passage of the letter, the governor underscored Puerto Rico's longstanding role as part of the United States, saying that its residents have been American citizens since 1917. González-Colón highlighted the island's contributions to the U.S. military, with thousands of Puerto Ricans having served in every conflict since World War I. She contrasted Puerto Rico's commitment to democracy with Maduro's "anti-democratic views," pointing to a referendum held in November 2024 in which Puerto Ricans voted in favor of statehood.
She also stressed Puerto Rico's strategic importance in the Caribbean and its role as home to key military facilities, including Fort Buchanan, the only U.S. Army base in the region, and other facilities critical to national security. "Puerto Rico is positioned to strengthen our union while safeguarding U.S. interests against adversaries in the region," she said.
The letter was copied to Senator Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, and Congressman Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for National Security Advisor. González-Colón expressed her readiness to collaborate with the new administration to counter Maduro's "aggression" and support Venezuelans seeking freedom.
"I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions on how to best enhance Puerto Rico's national security role," she wrote.
The letter comes as geopolitical tensions in Latin America escalate, with Maduro facing growing international isolation over his authoritarian rule. González-Colón's inauguration, reflected the challenges facing Puerto Rico as she begins her historic third term. Amid widespread frustration over a major blackout that affected at least 1.45 million people and marred New Year's celebrations, she reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the island's energy crisis while championing statehood and strengthening ties with the United States.
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