politics
January 3, 2026
Nicolás Maduro: from bus driver to Chávez successor to US detainee
As Maduro faces trial in New York on alleged involvement in narco-terrorism, how will Venezuelans judge their president?
TL;DR
- Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's president for 13 years and eight months, was captured by US special forces and faces narcotics charges.
- Maduro's rule followed Hugo Chávez's socialist revolution, marked by accusations of US interference.
- His presidency saw Venezuela's economy collapse, leading millions to flee due to incompetence, corruption, and repression.
- Maduro began his political career as a student union president and union leader, becoming a loyal follower of Chávez.
- After Chávez's death in 2013, Maduro won a narrow victory but his presidency was immediately plagued by crisis, protests, and violent suppression.
- The opposition lost control of the national assembly in 2015, leading Maduro to establish a pro-government constituent assembly in 2017, sparking further suppressed protests.
- The international criminal court opened an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity.
- Maduro survived an assassination attempt in 2018; by this time, the economy was in freefall with hyperinflation and shortages.
- The 2018 presidential election saw Maduro run virtually unopposed, with many countries not recognizing his victory.
- The Trump administration imposed economic sanctions, but Maduro's support base remained strong.
- In 2023, Maduro's strongest opponent, María Corina Machado, was banned from running, and further crackdowns occurred in early 2024.
- Maduro was declared the winner of the 2024 election, but opposition tally sheets indicated a massive defeat; protests were crushed, and he was sworn in for a third term in January 2025.
- Trump's return to the White House led to escalated US actions, including military buildup and operations against alleged narco-terrorism.
- Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, a significant power broker, is also thought to have been seized by the US.
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