Deposed Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro and Wife to Make First Appearance in U.S. Court Today
Maduro and first lady Cilia Flores charged with narco-terrorism; U.S. plans interim government and taps Venezuela’s oil reserves.
- Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are set to appear in a New York court facing narco-terrorism, cocaine importation, and weapons charges
- President Donald Trump declared the U.S. will temporarily run Venezuela
- Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president, calling for cooperation with the U.S.
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are set to make their first appearances in a New York City court today, two days after the U.S. captured them in a surprise operation.
The couple faces charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses in the United States.
Following the capture, President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. would temporarily run Venezuela and access its oil reserves, stating, “We’re in charge.”
The Trump administration is working to install a compliant interim government in Venezuela. Shortly after Maduro’s capture, Delcy Rodríguez assumed office as acting president, calling for cooperation with the United States, a marked shift from her earlier defiance.
Key Developments:
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Trump’s Threats: The U.S. president hinted at potential military action in Colombia, pressed Mexico on drug enforcement, and again mentioned a strategic interest in Greenland.
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Oil Industry Moves: U.S. officials have assessed American oil companies’ interest in re-entering Venezuela to rebuild the petroleum sector, though sources say firms remain cautious.
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Strike Casualties: Cuba reported that at least 32 Cuban nationals died during the U.S. military operation.
On Sunday, acting president Delcy Rodríguez convened her first cabinet meeting since assuming power, seated beneath portraits of Maduro, former President Hugo Chávez, and Simón Bolívar, Venezuela’s independence hero. The meeting—the 757th council session—was called to guarantee peace and sovereignty following the U.S. intervention.
The move comes after a Supreme Court ruling on Saturday, which mandated Rodríguez, then vice president, to assume the powers and duties of acting president.
