U.S. Captures Venezuelan President

Max Shmelzer ’28, Staff Writer | January 5, 2026

REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Eduardo Munoz

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrives at the Downtown Manhattan Heliport, as he heads towards the Daniel Patrick Manhattan United States Courthouse for an initial appearance to face U.S. federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, money laundering and others in New York City, U.S., January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

The United States has captured the president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, who is now facing numerous drug trafficking related charges.

Maduro’s presidency began in 2013, and has had some controversy before. In the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election, he reportedly changed the votes so that he emerged victorious instead of the other candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez.

Shortly after United States president Donald Trump was re-elected, he turned his head to Maduro, accusing him of being one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers.

Trump told Maduro to step away from his presidency or he will face consequences. On January 3, 2026, the United States led an attack on Venezuela that led to the capture of President Maduro.

Maduro is currently being held in New York awaiting his drug trafficking trial, he has pleaded not guilty and stated he was kidnapped.

President Trump said in a press conference that he will “run the country” of Venezuela.

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