Reuters World News Venezuela: Maduro in NY custody, Caracas defiance and oil
Jan 4, 2026
Julia Sims-Cobb, the Andean bureau chief for Reuters, shares on-the-ground insights about President Nicolás Maduro being detained in New York and the mixed reactions in Caracas. Don Durfee, foreign policy editor, analyzes the geopolitical risks of U.S. intervention and how it could impact Trump’s political standing. The potential for military presence is discussed alongside the complexities of governing Venezuela amidst its vast oil reserves. The podcast delves into the political dynamics within Venezuela and the global implications of these critical developments.
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Maduro Seized And Flown To New York
- U.S. forces seized Nicolás Maduro and transported him to New York under heavy guard with handcuffs and a blindfold.
- Reuters verified footage shows Maduro at a U.S. DEA facility and he faces federal indictments including narco-terrorism.
International Law Versus Forceful Transition
- Western allies broadly oppose Maduro but urged diplomatic respect for international law.
- Trump framed a U.S.-led transition as necessary while Venezuelan streets remained mostly calm.
Caracas Largely Calm After Raid
- Julia Sims-Cobb reported that after the initial U.S. attack, Caracas was largely peaceful with small pro-government marches.
- Citizens queued at gas stations and some businesses stayed closed while people stocked up on basics.