Trump declares US 'in charge' of Venezuela and Maduro goes to court

Protesters with flags and and a banner march during a demonstration condemning the US attack on Venezuela and the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, near the US embassy in Manila on January 5, 2026. [ AFP]

President Donald Trump's claim that the United States is "in charge" of Venezuela will be underscored Monday when the oil-rich nation's deposed leader is hauled before a New York court, while his successor offers to cooperate.

Leftist strongman Nicolas Maduro, 63, faces narcotrafficking charges along with his wife, who was also seized and taken out of Caracas in the shock US assault Saturday, which involved commandos, bombing by jet planes, and a massive naval force off Venezuela's coast.