The Trump administration has effectively shut down Venezuela’s ability to pay for the defense costs of former president Nicolás Maduro, a move that threatens his constitutional right to counsel as he faces drug trafficking charges in New York. This decision is deeply connected to U.S. foreign policy towards Venezuela, which remains unchanged under both the Biden and previous administrations.
Attorney Barry Pollack revealed through an email dated February 20th that the U.S. Treasury Department had revoked authorization for the payment of legal fees from the Venezuelan government intended to cover Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores’ defense costs. This came less than three hours after it initially granted such permission, leaving the reasons unclear.
Maduro and Cilia have been in New York custody without bail since their January 3rd detention by U.S. military forces following a stealth raid from their Venezuelan home. They are both standing trial on charges of drug trafficking conspiracy. Their hearing is scheduled for March 17th.
Pollack, Maduro’s attorney, emphasized the significance of this dispute. He asserted that allowing the government to Delcy Rodríguez to cover defense costs could complicate prosecutors’ efforts in court by undermining Maduro’s argument that his arrest was illegal and he enjoys state immunity under international law.
The indictment alleges a conspiracy between Maduro and others to facilitate drug shipments into the U.S., including ordering kidnappings, beatings, and murders of individuals who owed them money. The document also claims Maduro instructed his wife on how to carry out these acts.
This development in Maduro’s case underscores the Trump administration’s influence over Venezuela’s leadership. Under pressure from the U.S., Delcy Rodríguez has taken swift steps to open up Venezuela’s oil industry for American investment, release political prisoners, and reestablish direct communication with Washington. This aligns with President Trump’s recent statement that the U.S. had received 80 million barrels of Venezuelan oil since establishing a partnership.
Maduro’s capture during months of military buildup in the Caribbean further solidifies the Trump administration’s leverage over Venezuela’s new leadership, Rodríguez. Despite these changes, Maduro maintains his stance as an illegitimate leader and continues to seek diplomatic recognition internationally.