Maduro pleads not guilty in U.S. court as Venezuela installs interim president

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s parliament on Monday swore in Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, hours after Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in a U.S. courtroom to drug trafficking and terrorism charges and insisted he remained the country’s leader.

Rodríguez, 56, who has served as vice president since 2018, took the oath during a special legislative session that opened with calls for Maduro’s release from U.S. custody.

She described the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a U.S. overnight operation as a “kidnapping” and said she assumed office “with pain” over what she called illegitimate military aggression.

Earlier in New York, Maduro appeared in federal court, where he pleaded not guilty to four counts including narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation.

Shackled and escorted by U.S. marshals, he told the judge he was a “kidnapped president” and a “prisoner of war,” adding, “I am still president of my country.”

U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein cut short Maduro’s remarks, telling him there would be “a time and a place” to address his claims. The next court hearing was scheduled for March 17.

The developments drew sharp criticism at the United Nations, where the Security Council held an emergency session on Venezuela.

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Venezuela’s U.N. ambassador, Samuel Moncada, accused the United States of carrying out an “illegitimate armed attack lacking any legal justification.”

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the operation, describing Maduro as an “illegitimate so-called president” and a “fugitive from justice.” He said the United States had conducted a “surgical law enforcement operation” to apprehend him.

Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and related conspiracy counts.

President Donald Trump said after Saturday’s operation — which U.S. officials said involved more than 150 aircraft and 200 personnel — that Washington would oversee Venezuela until a “safe and proper” transition was possible.

Following a classified briefing at the U.S. Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the administration’s plan was “vague” and warned against what he described as regime-change efforts.

House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected that characterization, saying the United States was seeking a change in behavior, not government, and would use economic pressure, including control of oil exports.

Despite U.S. statements, Maduro’s allies retained control in Caracas. Thousands of supporters gathered outside the Federal Legislative Palace as Rodríguez was sworn in.

Addressing lawmakers, she vowed to preserve peace and stability and said her government was open to cooperation with Washington “within the framework of international law.”

Maduro’s son also addressed the assembly, expressing support for his parents and for Rodríguez, and saying they would return to Venezuela.