Major Controversies Surrounding Nicolás Maduro: A Detailed Timeline

4 hours ago : Venezuela's history, US aggression, and Trump's oil interests fuel ongoing tensions with Nicolás Maduro.

The US interest in Venezuelan oil, coupled with historical context of Venezuelan families, and the backdrop of US aggression, exacerbates the already tense situation with Nicolás Maduro. The situation has implications on education and resistance.

1992: Accusations linked to coup

In 1992, Maduro was accused of links to the Venezuelan failed coup in 1992, a charge that President Chávez denied.

September 2006: Brief detention in New York

In September 2006, Nicolás Maduro was briefly detained by United States Department of Homeland Security officers at the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City after paying for three airline tickets in cash.

2012: Maduro calls opposition members "snobs" and "little faggots"

During a tenth anniversary gathering commemorating the 2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt going into the 2012 Venezuelan presidential election, Maduro called opposition members "snobs" and "little faggots".

June 2013: Conflicting Birthplace Declarations

In June 2013, Nicolás Maduro gave conflicting statements about his birthplace. He claimed to be born in Caracas during a press conference in Rome and Elías Jaua claimed Maduro was born in El Valle parish in Caracas during an interview with a Spanish journalist.

October 2013: Tibisay Lucena Claims Maduro Born in La Candelaria

In October 2013, Tibisay Lucena, head of the National Electoral Council, claimed Maduro was born in La Candelaria Parish in Caracas, showing copies of the registry presentation book of all the newborns on the alleged date of Maduro's birth.

2013: Maduro Uses Anti-Gay Attacks as a Political Weapon

During the 2013 presidential campaign, Maduro used anti-gay attacks as a political weapon, calling representatives of the opposition "faggots". Maduro used anti-gay speech toward his opponent Henrique Capriles calling him a "little princess" and saying "I do have a wife, you know? I do like women!"

2013: Evidence Presented on Maduro's Alleged Colombian Citizenship

In 2013 lawyer Enrique Aristeguieta Gramcko presented evidence about the presumed non-existence of ineligibility conditions of Maduro to be elected and to hold the office of the presidency, under Article 96, Section B, of the Political Constitution of Colombia, Nicolás Maduro Moros, even in the unproven case of having been born in Venezuela, is "Colombian by birth" because he is the son of a Colombian mother and by having resided in that territory during his youth.

2013: Odebrecht Paid $35 Million to Fund Maduro's Presidential Campaign

In 2013, Euzenando Prazeres de Azevedo, president of Constructora Odebrecht in Venezuela, revealed that Odebrecht paid $35 million to fund Maduro's 2013 presidential campaign if Odebrecht projects would be prioritized in Venezuela.

2013: Media Outlet Shutdowns

In 2013, during Nicolás Maduro's first tenure as president, 115 media outlets were shut down, which included 41 print outlets, 65 radio outlets, and 9 television channels.

2013: Drop in World Press Freedom Index

Since 2013, Venezuela's rank on the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders has dropped 42 places.

2013: Accusations of Authoritarian Leadership Begin

Since Nicolás Maduro took office in 2013, he has faced accusations of authoritarian leadership.

February 2014: Situation in Venezuela referred to ICC

On 27 September 2018, six states parties to the Rome Statute referred the situation in Venezuela since 12 February 2014 to the International Criminal Court (ICC), requesting the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to initiate an investigation on alleged crimes against humanity.

2014: Official Declarations Share Four Different Birthplaces of Maduro

By 2014, official declarations by the Venezuela government shared four different birthplaces of Maduro. Tachira state's governor José Vielma Mora assured that Maduro was born in El Palotal sector of San Antonio del Táchira

2014: Wave of Protests

In 2014, Nicolás Maduro faced a wave of protests due to shortages and declining living standards in Venezuela.

February 2015: Accusations of US Overthrow Attempt

In early 2015, the Maduro government accused the United States of attempting to overthrow him, leading to actions like the arrest of Antonio Ledezma. This was followed by travel restrictions on American tourists and military marches and public exercises "for the first time in Venezuela's democratic history".

November 2015: Arrest of Maduro's Nephews

In November 2015, after Maduro's nephews were apprehended by the US Drug Enforcement Administration for the illegal distribution of cocaine on 10 November 2015, carrying diplomatic passports, Maduro criticized "attacks and imperialist ambushes" on Twitter.

2015: Extrajudicial executions began

Beginning in 2015, Amnesty International reported that Nicolás Maduro's government committed some of the worst human rights violations in Venezuela's history, including 8,292 extrajudicial executions between 2015 and 2017.

2015: Ruled by Decree

From 2015, Nicolás Maduro ruled Venezuela by decree through powers granted to him by the ruling party legislature.

2015: Supreme Tribunal Filled with Maduro Allies

In 2015, after the opposition won the parliamentary elections, the pro-Maduro National Assembly filled the Supreme Tribunal of Justice with allies, leading to reports of Venezuela moving towards one-man rule.

2015: Opposition-led National Assembly

In 2015, an opposition-led National Assembly was elected, but Maduro maintained power through the Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council (CNE), and the military.

January 2016: OAS Threatens to Invoke Democratic Charter

On 12 January 2016, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, threatened to invoke the Inter-American Democratic Charter, after opposition National Assembly members were barred from taking their seats by the Maduro-aligned Supreme Court.

April 2016: Maduro Changes Birthplace Narrative Again

In April 2016, Nicolás Maduro changed his birthplace narrative once more, stating he was born in Los Chaguaramos, specifically in Valle Abajo, and was baptized in the San Pedro church.

May 2016: Continued Claims of US Coup Attempt and OAS Involvement

In May 2016, Nicolás Maduro again claimed that the United States was attempting to assist the opposition with a coup attempt. The government called for a meeting with the OAS, accusing the US and the OAS of attempting to overthrow Maduro. Maduro called OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro "a traitor" and stated that he worked for the CIA.

July 2016: Detention of Opposition Activists

In July 2016, the Venezuelan intelligence service detained five opposition activists involved with the recall referendum.

November 2016: Maduro Nephews Found Guilty

In November 2016, Maduro's two nephews were found guilty.

2016: Request to Investigate Maduro's Nationality

In 2016, a group of Venezuelans requested the National Assembly to investigate whether Nicolás Maduro was Colombian, citing doubts about his origins and his refusal to show his birth certificate. Allegations arose that he might be Colombian by birth due to his mother's nationality and his childhood residence in Colombia.

2016: Growing Concerns of Dictatorship

In 2016, the Supreme Tribunal's refusal to acknowledge the National Assembly's attempts to recall Maduro led to increased concerns of dictatorship. Various sources, including Foreign Affairs and Americas Quarterly, highlighted Venezuela's transition towards a full dictatorship.

April 2017: ICC Prosecutor believed Crimes against Humanity were committed

On 14 December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor released a report on the office's year activities, stating that it believed there was a "reasonable basis" to think that "since at least April 2017, civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and pro-government individuals have committed the crimes against humanity."

May 2017: Proposed Constituent Assembly Election

In May 2017, Nicolás Maduro proposed the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election.

July 2017: Constituent Assembly Election and US Sanctions

In July 2017, the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election was held despite wide international condemnation, and the United States sanctioned Maduro, labeling him as a "dictator".

July 2017: United States Sanctions Maduro

On 31 July 2017, after the Constituent Assembly election, the United States sanctioned Maduro, making him the fourth foreign head of state to be sanctioned by the United States. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin stated "Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people".

August 2017: Luisa Ortega Díaz accuses Maduro of profiting from shortages

In August 2017, Chief Prosecutor Luisa Ortega Díaz accused Maduro of profiting from shortages in Venezuela through the government-operated CLAP program, alleging contracts with Group Grand Limited, a company "presumably owned by Nicolás Maduro".

August 2017: Trump considers military option

On August 11, 2017, US President Donald Trump stated he would "not rule out a military option" to confront the government of Maduro.

November 2017: Maduro Eats Empanada During Live Broadcast

In November 2017, during a live broadcast, Maduro was caught on camera eating an empanada from his desk, sparking controversy due to the nationwide food shortage and his perceived weight gain.

December 2017: Maduro's Nephews Sentenced

On 14 December 2017, Maduro's two nephews were sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment.

2017: Extrajudicial executions continued

Ending in 2017, Amnesty International reported that Nicolás Maduro's government committed some of the worst human rights violations in Venezuela's history, including 8,292 extrajudicial executions between 2015 and 2017.

2017: Government Vows Recall Would Not Occur Until 2017

In 2017, The government vowed a recall would not occur until 2017, ensuring the current vice president would potentially come to power.

2017: National Assembly investigates CLAP program

In 2017, the National Assembly conducted an investigation finding that the government paid US$42 for food that cost under US$13 and that "Maduro's inner circle kept the difference, which totaled more than $200 million dollars in at least one case", adding that food boxes were "distributed in exchange for votes".

2017: Constitutional Crisis and Protests

In 2017, the Supreme Tribunal stripped the elected National Assembly of power, leading to a constitutional crisis and another wave of protests. The Constituent Assembly of Venezuela was elected under irregular voting conditions.

2017: Constitutional Crisis and International Condemnation

In 2017, the Venezuelan constitutional crisis escalated when the Supreme Tribunal took over the legislative powers of the National Assembly. The United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned President Maduro, labeling him a dictator, and prevented him from entering the US. Other international figures and organizations also condemned Maduro's actions, describing Venezuela as a dictatorship.

2017: Government Officials Sanctioned by United States and Canada

In 2017, thirteen government officials were sanctioned by the United States Department of Treasury for their involvement with the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election, and the Canadian government sanctioned members of the Maduro government, including Maduro, preventing Canadian nationals from participating in property and financial deals with him due to the rupture of Venezuela's constitutional order.

2017: Venezuela Downgraded to Authoritarian Regime

The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2017 report downgraded Venezuela from a hybrid regime to an authoritarian regime, reflecting the country's continued slide towards dictatorship, with an index of 3.87.

January 2018: Nullity of 2013 Presidential Elections Decreed

On 11 January 2018, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile decreed the nullity of the 2013 presidential elections after lawyer Enrique Aristeguieta Gramcko presented evidence about the presumed non-existence of ineligibility conditions of Maduro.

February 2018: ICC Opens Preliminary Probes

In February 2018, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it would open preliminary probes into the alleged crimes against humanity performed by Venezuelan authorities.

March 2018: Maduro Sanctioned by Panamanian Government

In March 2018, Maduro was sanctioned by the Panamanian government for his alleged involvement with "money laundering, financing of terrorism and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction".

March 2018: Pastrana References Baptism Certificate

In March 2018, former Colombian president Andrés Pastrana made reference to the baptism certificate of Maduro's mother, noting that the disclosed document reiterates the Colombian origin of the mother of the president and that therefore Maduro has Colombian citizenship.

May 2018: Presidential Elections and Dictatorship Accusations

In May 2018, Venezuelan presidential elections were held prematurely. Critics labeled Maduro a dictator and accused his regime of driving Venezuela to the brink of collapse.

May 2018: Sanctions Against Diosdado Cabello

On 18 May 2018, the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed sanctions against Diosdado Cabello, alleging that he and others used their power to profit from extortion, money laundering, and embezzlement. Cabello was also accused of directing drug trafficking activities and dividing profits with President Maduro.

August 2018: Maduro Sentenced to Prison by Supreme Tribunal of Justice in Exile

On 15 August 2018, Maduro was sentenced to 18 years and 3 months in prison by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile for corruption and legitimation of capital.

August 2018: Alleged assassination attempt on Maduro

On August 4, 2018, two drones detonated explosives near Avenida Bolívar, Caracas, during a speech by Maduro. The Venezuelan government claims it was a targeted assassination attempt, while others suggest it was a false flag operation.

September 2018: Maduro Dines at Salt Bae's Restaurant

In September 2018, Maduro dined at one of Salt Bae's luxury restaurants in Istanbul, where he was served a meat-heavy meal and offered personalized gifts, which drew international criticism due to the economic struggles faced by Venezuelans.

September 2018: Situation in Venezuela referred to ICC

On 27 September 2018, six states parties to the Rome Statute referred the situation in Venezuela since 12 February 2014 to the International Criminal Court (ICC), requesting the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to initiate an investigation on alleged crimes against humanity.

October 2018: Mexican prosecutors accuse Venezuelan government of buying poor-quality food

On 18 October 2018, Mexican prosecutors accused the Venezuelan government and Mexican individuals of buying poor-quality food products for CLAP and exporting them to Venezuela to double their value for sale.

December 2018: Presidential Election Pulled Ahead

In December 2018, the original electoral date for the presidential elections was scheduled, but it was subsequently pulled ahead.

December 2018: Glamorous Christmas Party Leaked

In December 2018, videos and pictures leaked showing a glamorous Christmas party with an expensive feast, including French wine, at the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, sparking backlash due to the country's economic crisis.

2018: Amnesty International report on human rights violations

In 2018, Amnesty International released a report accusing Nicolas Maduro's government of committing some of the worst human rights violations in Venezuela's history, including 8,292 extrajudicial executions carried out between 2015 and 2017.

2018: Reelection and Presidential Crisis

In 2018, Nicolás Maduro was reelected and sworn in, leading to a presidential crisis after Juan Guaidó, president of the National Assembly, declared himself interim president.

2018: OAS Report on Crimes Against Humanity

In 2018, a Board of Independent Experts designated by the Organization of American States (OAS) published a report alleging that crimes against humanity were committed in Venezuela during Maduro's presidency. The board suggested Maduro could be responsible for numerous murders, extra-judicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture cases, and a 'state-sanctioned humanitarian crisis'.

2018: Maduro declared winner of presidential election

Maduro was declared as the winner of the 2018 election with 67.8% of the vote. The result was denounced as fraudulent by most neighboring countries and organizations but recognized as legitimate by others.

January 2019: Maduro Banned from Entering Colombia

As of January 2019, Maduro is banned from entering Colombia, as the Colombian government maintains a list of people banned from entering Colombia or subject to expulsion who have a "close relationship and support for the Nicolás Maduro regime".

January 2019: Maduro's Illegitimate Presidency and International Response

In January 2019, Nicolás Maduro's swearing-in as president was met with widespread condemnation. The Organization of American States (OAS) declared his presidency illegitimate and called for new elections. Juan Guaidó, president of the National Assembly, was declared interim president by some nations while Russia, China, and Cuba supported Maduro.

January 2019: Maduro calls Bolsonaro "a Hitler of the modern era"

On January 14, 2019, Maduro called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro "a Hitler of the modern era" after Brazil recognised Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the country's interim president.

January 2019: Venezuela breaks ties with the US

On January 23, 2019, Maduro announced that Venezuela was severing ties with the United States following Trump's recognition of Juan Guaidó as the interim President of Venezuela.

January 2019: Maduro's Second Inauguration and Consolidation of Power

The 10 January 2019 second inauguration of Nicolás Maduro was widely condemned and led to commentary that Maduro had consolidated power and become a dictator, from various international news sources.

March 2019: Report on Maduro losing support

In March 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that barrios are turning against Maduro, blaming government brutality for the shift. Foro Penal said that 50 people had been killed by security forces in the first two months of the year, and 653 had been arrested for protesting or speaking against the government.

April 2019: US Department of State Allegations

In April 2019, the US Department of State alleged that Venezuela, led by Nicolas Maduro, has consistently violated the human rights of its citizens. The State Department report highlighted abuse by the nation's security forces, including a number of deaths, the suspicious death of opposition politician Fernando Albán Salazar, the detention of Roberto Marrero, and repression of demonstrators during Venezuelan protests which left at least 40 dead in 2019.

April 2019: US Department of State highlights investigation into CLAP program

In April 2019, the United States Department of State highlighted a 2017 National Assembly investigation finding irregularities in the CLAP program, alleging that the government overpaid for food and that Maduro's inner circle pocketed the difference.

June 2019: Journalists Denied Access to National Assembly

As of June 2019, journalists have been denied access to seven sessions of the National Assembly by the National Guard.

September 2019: Human Rights Watch Report on Extrajudicial Executions

In September 2019, Human Rights Watch reported that poor communities in Venezuela no longer supporting Maduro's government have witnessed arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions by Venezuelan police. Despite claims of confrontations with armed criminals, witnesses have challenged these claims, with victims last seen in police custody.

October 2019: Contract signed for overthrow attempt

In October 2019, Goudreau claimed that Juan Guaidó and two political advisers had signed a contract with him for US$213 million to overthrow Maduro, but this was not confirmed.

2019: Violations of Freedom of Expression

During the first seven months of 2019, the Press and Society Institute of Venezuela found at least 350 cases of violations of freedom of expression.

2019: UN Report on Human Rights Violations

In 2019, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressed extrajudicial executions, torture, enforced disappearances, and other rights violations allegedly committed by Venezuelan security forces in recent years. The High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet expressed her concerns for the "shockingly high" number of extrajudicial killings and urged for the dissolution of the FAES.

March 2020: US Charges Maduro with Narco-Terrorism

On 26 March 2020, the United States Department of Justice charged Maduro and other Venezuelan officials and some Colombian former FARC members for "narco-terrorism," accusing them of shipping cocaine to the US. The US government offered $15 million for information leading to his arrest.

May 2020: Attempted overthrow of Maduro

In May 2020, Venezuelan security forces prevented an attempt to overthrow Maduro by armed Venezuelan dissidents organized by Silvercorp USA. The Venezuelan government claimed the United States and its DEA were responsible, while Juan Guaidó denied involvement.

October 2020: Maduro indicted by US federal court

In October 2020, Maduro was indicted by a US federal court, accused of narcoterrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine to the United States.

December 2020: ICC Prosecutor believed Crimes against Humanity were committed

In December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor released a report stating that it believed there was a "reasonable basis" to think that since at least April 2017, civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and pro-government individuals have committed the crimes against humanity.

2020: Maduro to face narco-terrorism charges

In 2020, Maduro was taken into federal custody to face the 2020 narco-terrorism charges in the Southern District of New York, with an initial court appearance scheduled for the following week.

September 2021: UN Report on Human Rights

On 16 September 2021, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela released its second report on the country's situation, concluding that the independence of the Venezuelan justice system under Maduro has been deeply eroded to the extent of playing an important role in aiding the state repression and perpetuating state impunity for human rights violations.

October 2022: Maduro's Nephews Freed in Prisoner Swap

In October 2022, Maduro's nephews were freed in a prisoner swap for seven American directors of the oil refinery corporation CITGO (part of the Citgo Six) who were imprisoned in Venezuela.

June 2023: Venezuelan Government Bars Leading Candidate from Participating in Election

In June 2023, the Venezuelan government barred leading candidate María Corina Machado from participating in the upcoming election, a move condemned by international bodies as a violation of political human rights.

November 2023: Maduro condemns Israel's actions in Gaza

On November 7, 2023, Maduro condemned Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war and accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

December 2023: Referendum on Essequibo region

In December 2023, Maduro promoted a consultative referendum in Venezuela to support Venezuela's claim to the Essequibo region, which is disputed with Guyana. The referendum was one of the contributing factors for the Guyana–Venezuela crisis.

April 2024: Tip about Maduro's planes

In April 2024, a tip was received about Maduro's planes, which were later seized in Santo Domingo for sanctions violations, leading to an attempt to recruit his personal pilot.

September 2024: Arrest of alleged assassins

In September 2024, Venezuelan police arrested several individuals, including three Americans, carrying sniper rifles and other munitions to allegedly assassinate Maduro. The government blamed the CIA and Spanish intelligence.

September 2024: Argentine Federal Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Maduro

In September 2024, an Argentine federal court issued an arrest warrant against Maduro and several other Venezuelan officials for crimes against humanity.

2024: Reelected for Third Term

In 2024, Nicolás Maduro was reelected for a third term, amidst evidence suggesting he lost the election by a wide margin.

January 2025: US Increases Reward Against Maduro

After Maduro was inaugurated for a third term on 10 January 2025, the US State Department announced that the reward against Maduro was increased from $15 million to $25 million.

January 2025: Maduro Sworn in for Third Term Amidst Controversy

On 10 January 2025, Maduro was sworn in for a third term as president. Prior to that, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) described the CNE's statement of Maduro winning the election as "validated" on 22 August.

June 2025: Maduro condemns Israeli attacks on Iran

In June 2025, Maduro condemned Israeli attacks on Iran, describing it as a "criminal assault" that "violates international law and the United Nations Charter", and accused France, Germany, Britain and the US of supporting "the 21st-century Hitler" against the "noble and peaceful Iranian people".

August 2025: US raises reward for Maduro's arrest

In August 2025, the United States Department of Justice raised the reward for the arrest of Maduro to US$50 million.

August 2025: Reward increased to $50 million

On August 7, 2025, the reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro was increased to $50 million. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Maduro of collaborating with terrorist organizations to bring violence to the United States and described him as a "threat to national security".

October 2025: Alleged US attempt to capture Maduro

In October 2025, the United States allegedly attempted to capture Maduro through a covert operation involving an effort to recruit his personal pilot, General Bitner Villegas, but the plan failed when Villegas refused to cooperate.

November 2025: Trump administration labels Maduro a terrorist

On November 24, 2025, the Trump administration officially labeled Maduro and his government allies as members of a foreign terrorist group.

December 2025: US seizes oil tanker Skipper

On December 10, 2025, the U.S. seized the oil tanker Skipper in international waters, off the Venezuelan coast.

January 2026: Capture by US Forces

In January 2026, US forces captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, and transported them to the US, where they were charged with drug trafficking.

January 2026: Swiss Government Freezes Maduro's Assets

In January 2026, the Swiss government imposed a four-year freeze on any assets held by Maduro and his close associates in Switzerland.

January 2026: US military operation in Venezuela

In the pre-dawn hours of January 3, 2026, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela, reportedly capturing Maduro and his wife. They were then flown out of the country. This operation led to condemnation for violating international law.

January 2026: Trump claims Maduro captured by US

On January 3, 2026, Donald Trump claimed that Maduro had been captured by the United States during United States strikes in Venezuela. Legal experts believe it is likely a violation of the U.N. Charter's article 2(4).

January 2026: Maduro arraigned on drug trafficking charges

On January 5, 2026, Maduro and his wife were arraigned, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking charges. Maduro was ordered to be held until at least a March 17 hearing.