Nicolás Maduro
Nicolás Maduro Moros (born November 23, 1962) is a Venezuelan politician who has served as the President of Venezuela since 2013. A former trade unionist and foreign minister, Maduro succeeded Hugo Chávez following Chávez’s death in March 2013. His presidency has been marked by economic collapse, hyperinflation, political repression, disputed elections, international sanctions, and deep diplomatic tensions with Western governments, particularly the United States.
Maduro’s legitimacy as president has been disputed internationally, with several countries recognizing opposition leaders at various points. His government has been accused by human rights organizations of authoritarian practices, while Maduro maintains that Venezuela is the target of foreign economic warfare and political interference.
Early life and education
Nicolás Maduro was born in Caracas, Venezuela. He worked as a bus driver in his early adulthood and became active in labor unions within the Caracas Metro system. During this period, he was influenced by leftist political ideology and became involved in political organizing.
Maduro did not complete a university degree, though he received political training through party-affiliated programs and later abroad, including time spent in Cuba during the early years of Hugo Chávez’s presidency.
Political career
Maduro joined the Fifth Republic Movement (MVR), founded by Hugo Chávez, and later became a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). He was elected to the National Assembly in 2000 and later served as president of the assembly.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
From 2006 to 2013, Maduro served as Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Hugo Chávez. In this role, he strengthened alliances with countries such as Cuba, Russia, China, Iran, and Bolivia, while relations with the United States deteriorated.
Vice presidency
In October 2012, Chávez appointed Maduro as Vice President of Venezuela. Following Chávez’s death on March 5, 2013, Maduro became interim president and was selected as the PSUV candidate for the presidential election later that year.
Presidency
Maduro won the April 2013 presidential election by a narrow margin against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. The results were contested, with allegations of irregularities, though Venezuela’s electoral authority declared Maduro the winner.
Economic crisis
During Maduro’s presidency, Venezuela experienced one of the worst economic collapses in modern history. Factors included declining oil production, mismanagement of state enterprises, corruption, international sanctions, and hyperinflation. Millions of Venezuelans emigrated, creating a regional humanitarian crisis.
Political repression and governance
Maduro’s government has been accused of suppressing political opposition through arrests, media restrictions, and the use of security forces. The creation of a pro-government Constituent Assembly in 2017 effectively sidelined the opposition-controlled National Assembly.
Human rights organizations have documented allegations of arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The government denies these claims, stating it is defending national sovereignty and public order.
International relations
Maduro’s presidency has been characterized by strained relations with Western governments and closer ties with non-Western allies. The United States, European Union, and several Latin American countries imposed sanctions on Maduro and senior officials, targeting Venezuela’s oil industry and financial system.
At various points, countries including the United States recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president, though that recognition later diminished.
Legal issues and U.S. indictments
The United States has charged Maduro with narco-terrorism and drug trafficking-related offenses, alleging that he collaborated with criminal organizations to traffic cocaine into the United States. Maduro has rejected the accusations, calling them politically motivated.
In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Maduro had been captured during a U.S. military operation in Venezuela. Venezuelan authorities disputed the claim and demanded proof of life, and independent verification remained limited at the time.
Personal life
Maduro is married to Cilia Flores, a former attorney general and prominent political figure. They have one son. Maduro is known for invoking the legacy of Hugo Chávez and frequently references Chávez in public speeches.
Detention in the United States
In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Nicolás Maduro had been captured during a United States Military operation in Venezuela. Initial claims were disputed by Venezuelan officials, who demanded proof of life and denied confirmation of Maduro’s whereabouts.
On January 3, 2026, Al Jazeera broadcast video footage showing Maduro landing at a U.S. Air Force base in the New York area. The footage depicted Maduro being escorted from a military aircraft by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under heavy security. The broadcast provided independent visual confirmation that Maduro was in U.S. custody.
U.S. officials stated that Maduro would face criminal proceedings related to previously announced charges, while Venezuelan authorities did not immediately issue a formal response following the release of the footage.
Legacy and assessments
Supporters portray Maduro as a defender of socialism and national sovereignty against foreign intervention. Critics describe his rule as authoritarian and blame his government for Venezuela’s economic collapse and mass emigration.
Maduro remains one of the most polarizing political figures in Latin America in the 21st century.