Defiant Maduro Faces US Court After Dramatic Seizure, Deepening Venezuela’s Political Crisis

Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court on Monday. The moment stunned Venezuela. It followed a dramatic US raid in Caracas days earlier.

Maduro, 63, pleaded not guilty. He denied drug trafficking charges. He spoke calmly. He said he remains Venezuela’s rightful president. His wife, Cilia Flores also denied the charges. The judge ordered both held in custody. A new hearing was set for March 17.

Details of the operation soon emerged. US forces seized Maduro from his home. Warplanes and naval units backed the raid. Washington said the arrest followed a long investigation. Critics called it a violation of sovereignty.

Tension rose in Caracas. Thousands marched in support of Maduro. Security forces increased patrols. Soon after, Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president. The opposition rejected her authority. They called her leadership imposed.

In Washington, the tone was firm. President Donald Trump said the US was now “in charge.” He spoke of restoring order. He pointed to Venezuela’s oil wealth. He ruled out quick elections. He said the country must first be stabilised.

Mixed signals followed. Some US lawmakers urged early elections. Others warned of chaos. Analysts pointed to deep divisions within Venezuela’s elite. Power struggles now loom.

Global reaction was swift. Allies voiced concern. Rivals condemned the move. Legal experts raised questions. Human rights groups warned of civilian suffering.

For many Venezuelans, fear dominates. Years of crisis have hurt daily life. Now leadership is uncertain. Foreign power is involved. The future looks fragile.