Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has filed a motion in federal court in New York to dismiss the criminal case concerning drug trafficking. His defense argues that the US administration is preventing the government in Caracas from paying for legal representation, which constitutes a violation of the 6th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Meanwhile, interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez appeals to Donald Trump to lift sanctions, calling him a "partner and friend".

Motion to Dismiss the Case

Nicolas Maduro's attorneys demand the dismissal of narco-terrorism charges because the US is blocking funds for his defense.

Appeal to Lift Sanctions

Delcy Rodriguez publicly called Donald Trump a partner and called for an end to the country's economic blockade.

Resignation of the Attorney General

Tarek William Saab stepped down as Attorney General and was appointed interim ombudsman.

Opening to Investments

The Rodriguez administration is in talks with Shell about gas projects, signaling an end to economic isolation.

The political and legal situation surrounding Venezuela is undergoing rapid changes following the US military operation on January 3, 2026, which resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro. The former leader, currently detained in Brooklyn, has attempted to torpedo the ongoing case against him. Attorney Barry Pollack informed the judge that the US Treasury Department has withdrawn approval for a special license that would have allowed the Venezuelan government to finance Maduro's professional defense. The defense claims that without these funds, the defendant is deprived of the constitutional right to legal assistance, which should result in the immediate dismissal of the charges. Simultaneously, deep personnel reshuffles are occurring within the state apparatus in Caracas. Tarek William Saab, the former Attorney General and one of the key figures in Maduro's repressive apparatus, has resigned. Surprisingly, he was almost immediately appointed interim ombudsman. These changes are interpreted as part of a broader justice reform forced by the new Delcy Rodriguez administration under pressure from Washington. Tarek William Saab has been replaced as Attorney General by Larry Daniel Devoe, a figure associated with the new president. US-Venezuelan relations have remained frozen since 2019, when the US recognized Juan Guaidó as interim president and imposed drastic economic sanctions on Caracas, including an oil embargo. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is currently conducting a diplomatic offensive aimed at normalizing relations with the US. In her latest televised address, Rodriguez not only called Donald Trump a "friend" but also urged him to lift the financial and oil blockade, which she said is harming Venezuelan youth. Earlier, Rodriguez made decisions to open the energy sector to foreign capital, including to the British conglomerate Shell, and to declare amnesty for individuals persecuted for political reasons since 1999. The dynamics of events indicate an attempt to quickly end the country's isolation while maintaining some institutional continuity. „Presidente Trump, como amigo, como socio, ya que estamos abriendo una nueva agenda de cooperación con Estados Unidos, cese ya a las sanciones y al bloqueo contra nuestra patria.” (President Trump, as a friend, as a partner, since we are opening a new agenda of cooperation with the United States, cease the sanctions and the blockade against our homeland now.) — Delcy Rodriguez

Mentioned People

  • Nicolas Maduro — Ousted president of Venezuela, accused in the US of drug trafficking and weapons possession.
  • Delcy Rodriguez — Interim President of Venezuela, former vice president, seeking to normalize relations with the US.
  • Tarek William Saab — Former Attorney General of Venezuela, appointed interim ombudsman.
  • Barry Pollack — American attorney representing Nicolas Maduro before the court in New York.
  • Alvin Hellerstein — Federal judge presiding over the case against Maduro in New York.