Mr. Maduro condemned the charges, denying any involvement with drug trafficking.July 2024: After a vote riddled with irregularities, Mr. Maduro was declared the winner of Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. 6: Mr. Maduro sent a letter to Mr. Trump insisting that his country did not export drugs. Mr. Grenell had been trying to negotiate a deal with Mr. Maduro that would have secured U.S. companies’ access to Venezuelan oil.Oct. 28: The New York Times reported that Mr. Trump and Mr. Maduro had spoken late the previous week, in a phone call that also included Mr. Rubio. 2: President Trump announced on social media that the United States had captured Mr. Maduro and was flying him out of Venezuela.

Source: New York Times January 04, 2026 05:17 UTC