US blocks Maduro legal fees in New York case

2026-02-26 - 07:22

The Trump administration has moved to stop Venezuela from financing the legal defense of President Nicolás Maduro as he stands trial on drug trafficking charges in federal court in New York. Court filings show that US authorities withdrew earlier permission for payment, triggering a legal challenge centered on constitutional rights and sanctions enforcement.Treasury reversal sparks constitutional dispute According to Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, the US Treasury initially cleared a request on Jan. 9 that would have allowed the Venezuelan government to transfer funds for legal representation. The authorization was rescinded hours later, he said, “without explanation.” Pollack maintains that blocking the payment interferes with his client’s Sixth Amendment right to retain counsel of choice, arguing in court papers that “the government of Venezuela has an obligation to pay Mr. Maduro’s fees ... and Mr. Maduro cannot otherwise afford counsel.” Detention and charges in New York Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have remained in custody without bail since their Jan. 3 arrest, after US forces transferred them from Venezuela to the United States. Both have entered not guilty pleas to narcotics-related charges in Manhattan federal court. The case represents a major escalation in Washington’s long-running confrontation with Caracas, combining criminal prosecution with broader sanctions measures targeting Venezuelan state institutions. Political backdrop in Caracas The legal proceedings coincide with Washington’s recognition of acting President Delcy Rodríguez, underscoring the diplomatic rupture between the two governments. The financial restrictions imposed under US sanctions complicate transactions involving Venezuelan state funds, including payments for legal services. Maduro is scheduled to return to court on March 17 as the dispute over his defense funding continues to unfold.