Maduro Appears in Court Again Without Speaking, Loses 26 Pounds, Trump Suggests More Charges Coming

**Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro Appears in NYC Court; Case Focuses on Legal Fees** Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores sat silent at the defense table during a March 26 hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, taking notes and consulting with their attorneys. Reporters observed proceedings via closed-circuit television with limited camera angles. Maduro has lost roughly 13 kilograms since early January and is detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York—called "notorious" and a "hell on earth" by some. He and Flores have no direct access to each other. Past lawyer claims allege MDC detainees receive expired, undercooked, or contaminated food, including spoiled meat and dairy products. The hearing centered on Maduro’s legal fees. The U.S. Treasury Department briefly allowed the Venezuelan government to cover costs before amending the permit. The defense argues this violates the U.S. Constitution’s Sixth Amendment and due process, seeking case dismissal or permission for counsel to withdraw. The prosecution countered that national security and foreign policy concerns bar government fee payments and no alternative remedies exist. Presiding Judge Herbert Herbstan, 92, ruled the case will not be dismissed, questioning whether Maduro currently poses a U.S. national security threat and labeling the case "unique and unusual." If defense attorneys withdraw, the government may appoint legal representation. Outside the court, supporters rallied for Maduro, calling him Venezuela’s legitimate president, demanding the couple’s release, and criticizing the U.S. for wasting taxpayer funds and illegal interference. Former President Donald Trump hinted Maduro could face additional charges. Source: Daily Economic News