Reuters World News Venezuela: Trump’s threats, Caracas’ change of tone and Maduro in court
Jan 5, 2026
In this enlightening discussion, legal reporter Jack Queen outlines the upcoming court proceedings for Nicolás Maduro, including potential plea deals and charges of narcotics offenses. Meanwhile, Reuters reporters analyze President Trump's threats of military action against Colombia and Mexico and the ramifications for the Venezuelan oil market. They also detail the dramatic CIA-led raid to capture Maduro and the wide-ranging reactions from Venezuelans abroad as they face ongoing political repression and economic turmoil.
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Rodríguez’s Sudden Diplomatic Turn
- Delce Rodríguez pivoted from condemning the raid to seeking respectful cooperation with the U.S. after threats from President Trump.
- That shift signals Venezuela's interim government may prioritize pragmatic diplomacy over immediate confrontation.
Maduro’s Serious U.S. Charges
- Nicolás Maduro faces four criminal counts including narco-terrorism and weapons charges after his capture.
- The legal process could take months and his wife faces similar charges except narco-terrorism.
How The Raid Was Planned And Carried Out
- The CIA embedded a team in Venezuela for weeks to map Maduro's routines and had access to an inner-circle asset.
- Delta Force soldiers used helicopters, replicas of the safe house and even blowtorches to execute the raid.