In a dramatic turn of events, Nicolás Maduro's repeated dance performances on state television, amidst rising tensions with the United States, became the tipping point that drove President Donald Trump to authorize a military operation culminating in Maduro's capture in Caracas.
According to a report by The New York Times, Maduro's public antics in the weeks leading up to his arrest, characterized by carefree dancing and defiant messages, convinced Trump's administration that the Venezuelan leader was mocking Washington's warnings and testing its resolve.
The American newspaper referenced two individuals privy to White House discussions, who noted that Maduro's frequent appearances dancing on state TV were interpreted as a direct provocation.
In one notable incident, Maduro responded to a U.S. attack on a dock, which Washington alleged was linked to drug trafficking, by dancing enthusiastically to electronic music, accompanied by a recording that repeatedly played the phrase "No crazy war" in English.
Sources indicated that this gesture was seen as Maduro's attempt to gauge whether Trump's threats were mere bluster.
The reaction from the presidential team was decisive: they believed that Maduro had overstepped a boundary and that failing to respond would undermine U.S. credibility.
The New York Times correspondent, Anatoly Kurmanaev, confirmed on his X account that "Maduro's constant dancing was the last straw." Once the decision was made, the White House began shaping Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as a "suitable" figure to lead a controlled transition, while María Corina Machado was never considered the primary choice.
This revelation adds to other reports published by the New York newspaper about the political background of the military operation, which included selective bombings and the transfer of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, to the United States, amid intense diplomatic tensions and accusations of violating Venezuelan sovereignty.
Key Insights into Maduro's Capture
Why did Maduro's dancing provoke the U.S.?
Maduro's dancing was seen as a mockery of the United States' warnings, which was perceived as a direct challenge to its authority and resolve.
What was the U.S. response to Maduro's actions?
The U.S. decided to act decisively with a military operation that resulted in Maduro's capture, aiming to maintain its credibility and respond to what it viewed as an overstep by Maduro.
Who was considered for leading Venezuela's transition?
The White House considered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as an appropriate figure for leading a controlled transition, rather than María Corina Machado.