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Judge weighs whether Venezuela can pay Maduro's legal costs in US drug trafficking case
A U.S. judge questioned the basis for barring Venezuela from funding the defense of former President Nicolás Maduro in his drug trafficking case.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:55am
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A U.S. judge pressed the Trump administration about its basis for barring Venezuela's government from paying former President Nicolás Maduro's legal fees in the drug trafficking case that has put him behind bars in New York. Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who are co-defendants, argued that the U.S. is violating their constitutional rights by blocking Venezuelan government money from being used for their legal costs. The judge questioned why the prosecution's argument still stands, now that U.S. and Venezuelan relations have warmed.
Why it matters
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as the legal and financial challenges facing Maduro and his family as they fight the drug trafficking charges. The judge's questioning suggests the U.S. government's rationale for blocking Venezuelan funds may be weakening as diplomatic relations improve.
The details
Maduro and Flores made their first court appearance since a January arraignment, where Maduro declared "I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country." They are accused of working with drug cartels and the military to facilitate the shipment of thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. The judge did not issue a ruling, but questioned why the U.S. is still blocking Venezuelan government funds from being used for their defense, given the warming relations between the two countries.
- The hearing took place on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
- Maduro and Flores were arraigned in January 2026.
The players
Nicolás Maduro
The former president of Venezuela who is facing drug trafficking charges in the U.S.
Cilia Flores
Maduro's wife and co-defendant in the drug trafficking case.
Alvin Hellerstein
The U.S. judge presiding over the case.
Kyle Wirshba
The assistant U.S. attorney arguing the case.
Barry Pollack
Maduro's lawyer who is arguing the U.S. should allow Venezuelan government funds to be used for his defense.
What they’re saying
“We have changed the situation in Venezuela. The current paramount goal and need and constitutional right is the right to defense.”
— Alvin Hellerstein, U.S. Judge
“We hope that in the United States, if justice truly exists, a trial will be held that will lead to President Maduro's freedom, because this kidnapping violated international legal principles, and we want justice to be served.”
— Eduardo Cubillan, Retiree
“Maduro would be given "a fair trial.”
— Donald Trump
What’s next
The judge did not set a trial date and said he will issue a ruling on whether Venezuela can pay Maduro's legal fees at a later time.
The takeaway
The case highlights the ongoing legal and diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, as well as the challenges Maduro faces in securing a fair defense against the drug trafficking charges he is facing.
