"I am still the President of my country": Nicolás Maduro says in the federal court

The now dethroned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was presented before the federal court in Manhattan, New York, after being kidnapped and flown out of the country by the American Military. Trump had ordered a surprise attack in the capital of Caracas, where at least seven rounds of explosions were heard. Nicolás Maduro had been charged with Narco-terrorism and trafficking cocaine into American soil, which led the U.S to conduct a military operation.

Maduro pleads not guilty

• Nicolás Maduro and his wife were brought before the federal court in Manhattan, New York, where they are now facing charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty and said, "I am still the President of my country". He was provided with an interpreter because he does not speak English. His wife refused to accept any of the charges and had visible injuries, including bruises. She was later provided with medical care.

🚨🇺🇸🇻🇪 FROM PALACE TO PERP WALK: MADURO FLASHES PEACE SIGN AS HE ARRIVES IN U.S. CUSTODY

Maduro, freshly deposed and flown to the U.S. after what’s being called a special forces extraction, just flashed a peace sign while in custody as if he didn’t spend a decade crushing… pic.twitter.com/D155vePcI3

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 4, 2026

• Maduro said he was captured and kidnapped from his country, and the entire action is unlawful. U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein, who is 92-year-old conducted the hearing. He informed both Maduro and his wife, Cecilia, of their rights and allowed them to have legal counsel. The next court date has been set on March 17, 2026, and they will both continue to remain in custody. The hearing has not been telecast, and not even a single image from the court has been out.
• Videos of Maduro limping to the court are circulating online as he was escorted by the guards. The entire trial lasted 30 minutes as they read the charges, they were informed of their charges, and the next date was fixed. He repeatedly said he was kidnapped and is being treated unfairly, even though he is the sitting President of a nation. He may get some relief because he was the President when he was kidnapped by the United States.

🚨#URGENTE |
Primeras IMÁGENES de Nicolás Maduro bajando del avión y llegando a las oficinas de la DEA.
🇻🇪 #VenezuelaLibre pic.twitter.com/mucbb2qRsk

— Vicky Dávila (@VickyDavilaH) January 4, 2026