By Micah Jonah, February 26, 2026
The United States government is preventing Venezuela from paying the legal fees of former President Nicolas Maduro as he faces drug trafficking charges in New York, according to his defence lawyer.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty on January 5 to charges that could result in decades long prison sentences if convicted. Both are currently detained in New York awaiting trial.
In a letter to US District Judge, Alvin Hellerstein, defence attorney, Barry Pollack said the US Department of the Treasury initially granted an exemption to existing sanctions on Venezuela to allow the government to cover Maduro’s legal costs. However, Pollack said that permission was revoked hours later without explanation.
Pollack argued that under Venezuelan law and custom, the government is responsible for covering the legal expenses of the sitting president and first lady. He stated that Maduro has a legitimate expectation that those costs would be paid and that he cannot otherwise afford legal representation.
A spokesperson for the Manhattan US Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the matter, and the Treasury Department had not publicly responded at the time of reporting.
Maduro was captured on January 3 during a US special forces raid in Caracas following months of pressure from the administration of President Donald Trump for him to step down. Prosecutors allege that during his 13 year tenure, Maduro used his position to assist drug trafficking networks.
Since his arrest, former Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez has been leading Venezuela’s government. During a court appearance earlier in January, Maduro maintained that he remains the country’s legitimate president.
Pollack noted that Flores may still be able to receive government funds for her legal representation, though her attorney has not publicly commented.
The case marks a significant escalation in tensions between Washington and Caracas and raises complex legal questions regarding sanctions, sovereign authority and access to legal counsel.
