On Thursday, President Donald Trump addressed the second judicial hearing of Nicolás Maduro at the Federal Court in Manhattan, stating that the charges filed so far only scratch the surface of the crimes committed by the former Venezuelan leader. He warned that more charges are on the horizon.
"They have only been charged for a fraction of the things he has done. More cases will be forthcoming, as you probably already know," the president stated.
Trump made these remarks during a meeting with his cabinet at the White House, attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, according to reports from the press present at the meeting.
Trump Pressures for More Charges
Trump directly questioned Bondi about the absence of charges related to the alleged "emptying of Venezuelan prisons" into the United States.
The president indicated that Maduro "emptied his prisons in Venezuela and directed them toward the U.S., and he was a significant drug supplier into American territory."
Concerning this specific charge, Trump was unequivocal: "I hope that charge is filed at some point, because it is a significant charge that has yet to be brought. It should be filed."
Maduro's Dangerous Legacy
Trump also described the former Venezuelan dictator in stark terms.
"He is a very, very dangerous man who has killed many people and forced individuals into our country," the president asserted.
These statements add to those he made in January, when Trump listed Maduro's crimes following his capture.
Maduro's Court Appearance
As Trump was making these statements, Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were set to appear before Judge Alvin Hellerstein at the Southern District of New York at noon on March 26.
Maduro and his spouse were transported early in the morning from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn in a convoy of three windowless vans.
Outside the court, two groups of demonstrators, both supporting and opposing the detention, clashed, creating tense moments.
Legal Battle Over Defense Financing
Today's hearing is crucial for resolving the dispute over the financing of the defense and setting the procedural schedule.
Attorneys Barry J. Pollack and Mark E. Donnelly argue that the United States is violating the Sixth Amendment by blocking the use of Venezuelan funds.
The defense is also attempting to dismiss the case, citing the illegality of the capture, which occurred on January 3 during "Operation Absolute Resolution," a military operation in Caracas involving Delta Force with CIA and Colombian intelligence support.
Maduro is facing four charges: narcoterrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of weapons, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices, all of which could result in life imprisonment.
Cilia Flores faces similar charges. According to experts cited by the EFE agency, the trial may not commence for one or two years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maduro's Legal Case
What are the charges against Nicolás Maduro?
Maduro is charged with narcoterrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of weapons, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices, all carrying the potential for life imprisonment.
When is the trial expected to begin?
Experts predict that the trial may not start for another one or two years.
What was "Operation Absolute Resolution"?
"Operation Absolute Resolution" was a military operation in Caracas on January 3, involving the Delta Force, CIA, and Colombian intelligence, which led to Maduro's capture.