NEW YORK – Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York court Thursday for a second hearing as his political standing continues to erode in Venezuela, where the government of President Delcy Rodríguez is strengthening ties with the United States.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in U.S. Court for the second time since their capture on January 3 in an operation authorized by President Donald Trump. The case underscores the shifting geopolitical landscape in the region.
Maduro Faces Second Court Appearance
Delcy Rodríguez assumed the interim leadership two days after the operation, initiating a series of changes including cabinet reshuffles and the advancement of key legislation, such as reforms to the country’s hydrocarbon law. Meanwhile, Maduro has become increasingly marginalized from public view.
“The discourse portraying the absent leader as a hero, even a superhero, was a recurring theme in official propaganda until extremely recently, but it has practically disappeared,” said political scientist and university professor Guillermo Aveledo to EFE. “The attempt to portray him as a victim clashes with the reality of the president’s unpopularity, and he may be reassessed in the future.”
Following a U.S. Naval and air deployment in the Caribbean Sea late last year, supporters of Maduro rallied around him. In the weeks following his capture, demonstrations were held daily demanding the couple’s release.
While calls for their release continue in some circles, and images of Maduro and Flores are still circulated through state media, the focus has shifted to strengthening relations with the U.S., securing energy agreements with foreign companies, and implementing cabinet changes.
“You’ll see still monuments and small shrines erected to call for his return in some places, but it doesn’t appear to be a coordinated or organized effort from Miraflores [the presidential palace],” Aveledo added.
Maduro exige a EEUU que el régimen venezolano pague su defensa en juicio, pese a gran fortunahttps://t.co/0JdonjYpMf
— BioBioChile (@biobio) March 20, 2026
Maduro and Flores are facing charges related to narcotics trafficking and weapons possession. They claim they lack the personal funds to cover their legal defense and allege they are being denied access to state funds due to their lack of recognition as legitimate heads of state.
Rodríguez has publicly referred to Trump as a “partner” and “friend,” expressing gratitude for the formal recognition of her government, despite the implications for Maduro’s position.
The acting president, who has not commented this week on Maduro’s trial, announced a diplomatic delegation’s trip to the U.S. As Trump eased sanctions to facilitate the reopening of the Venezuelan embassy in Washington.
Aveledo suggests Maduro may not be entirely expendable, but “he certainly is a liability in the conversation.”
“Is [Maduro] a dispensable figure? If we look at the facts, it would seem so, which is quite sobering given the power he once held,” Aveledo concluded.
