U.S. forces have transferred captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to a military vessel, according to an image shared by President Donald Trump. Sources confirm Maduro is en route to the United States to face federal narco-terrorism charges.
What Does the New Image Show?
President Trump posted an image on Truth Social late Saturday claiming it shows “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima.” The photo depicts a figure resembling Maduro wearing a gray tracksuit, an eye mask, and headphones, seated inside what appears to be a military transport. Trump earlier told Fox News the vessel was transporting the Venezuelan leader to the United States.
US President Donald Trump shares image of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
“Nicolas Maduro on board the USS Iwo Jima, ” posts President Trump pic.twitter.com/dlY94FUJUx
— ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2026
Where Is Maduro Being Taken?
Two sources told CBS News the U.S. military plane carrying Maduro is expected to land later today at New York Stewart International Airport. The airport is a public military facility in Orange County, about 60 miles north of Manhattan. Upon landing, Maduro will be turned over from military to federal law enforcement custody.
When Will He Appear in Court?
Maduro is expected to be arraigned in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York next week, possibly as early as Monday. He faces a multi-count indictment unsealed in 2020, including charges of narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States.
What Has the U.S. Government Said?
A news conference began at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida shortly after the image was shared. Trump said the event would include Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, promising a “pretty open news conference.” This follows Attorney General Pam Bondi’s statement that Maduro would face the “full wrath of American justice.”
FAQs
Q: What does the image posted by Trump show?
A: It shows a figure, alleged to be Nicolás Maduro, wearing a tracksuit and eye mask aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship.
Q: Where will Maduro land in the U.S.?
A: Sources indicate his flight is expected to land at New York Stewart International Airport.
Q: When will Maduro first appear in a U.S. court?
A: He is scheduled for arraignment in federal court in New York as early as Monday.
Q: Who is holding the news conference on the capture?
A: President Trump is holding a news conference at Mar-a-Lago with senior defense officials.
Q: What is Maduro’s legal status during transport?
A: He is in the custody of the U.S. military and will be transferred to federal authorities upon landing.
