Nicolás Maduro on United States

Nicolás Maduro's position on the United States is defined by profound hostility, particularly following a January 3, 2026, U.S. military operation that captured him and effectively ended his rule. He was indicted by the U.S. government in the Southern District of New York on serious criminal charges, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, and was transferred to the U.S. to stand trial. Maduro has maintained his innocence and strongly contested the legality of his seizure, alleging the U.S. government sabotaged his right to legal counsel by blocking funds for his defense fees.

The conflict represents the culmination of years of escalating tensions, including repeated rejection of his legitimacy by the U.S. following the disputed 2024 election, after which he unlawfully refused to step down. While Maduro's government was previously accused by the U.S. of enabling narco-terrorism through organizations like the Cartel of the Suns, his current status is that of a captured fugitive from American justice, contrasting sharply with his prior role as Venezuela's president. In a development post-capture, the U.S. and Venezuela's interim government agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties, a move Maduro's successor supported as beneficial for the Venezuelan people.