The Trump administration has intervened to prevent the Venezuelan government from financing legal representation for Nicolás Maduro, effectively obstructing the embattled leader’s constitutional right to counsel according to his defense attorney. Legal representative Barry Pollack formally notified a Manhattan federal judge that the U.S. Treasury Department revoked authorization for Venezuela to cover Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores’ legal expenses under Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctions.
This development follows the dramatic capture of Maduro and his wife during a covert nighttime military operation on January 3rd, resulting in their detention without bail in New York. Both have entered not guilty pleas to extensive drug trafficking charges that could yield life imprisonment convictions.
The legal fee blockade intersects significantly with evolving U.S.-Venezuela relations. Following Maduro’s ouster, the administration has exerted substantial influence over acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who has subsequently initiated policy shifts including opening Venezuela’s oil industry to American investment and releasing political prisoners.
Initially, OFAC granted approval on January 9th for legal fee payments, only to reverse this authorization within hours without explanation—while curiously maintaining permission for payments to Flores’ legal team. This creates a complex constitutional dilemma regarding Maduro’s Sixth Amendment rights while simultaneously navigating foreign policy objectives.
The indictment alleges Maduro and associates collaborated with drug cartels to facilitate thousands of tons of cocaine entering the United States, with additional accusations of ordering violence against those indebted to their operation.
Pollack has formally requested reinstatement of the payment license, noting Maduro lacks personal resources for legal representation and may seek judicial intervention to secure defense funding. The Treasury Department, White House, and Justice Department have not provided public commentary regarding these developments.