Full Breakdown
U.S. Modifies Sanctions to Permit Venezuelan Funding for Maduro’s Defense
4/25/2026, 9:47:42 PM
Sanctions Adjustment Clears Funding Roadblock
On April 25 2026, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued amended licenses permitting the Venezuelan government to pay legal fees for former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The licenses, detailed in a joint letter by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, require that the funds be from resources made available after March 5 2026 and not drawn from restricted foreign-government accounts. The change ends a month-long dispute that had threatened to stall the Manhattan drug-trafficking prosecution.
Background & Timeline
Maduro and Flores were seized by U.S. special-forces in Caracas on Jan 3 2026 (Operation Absolute Resolve) and flown to New York, where they were arraigned on Jan 5. The Manhattan indictment charges them with cocaine importation, narco-terrorism and weapons violations. In February, defense counsel Barry Pollack sought dismissal, arguing sanctions blocked the Venezuelan government from paying their attorneys. Judge Alvin Hellerstein questioned this in a March 26 hearing and warned the case could be dismissed if the funding barrier remained. The April 25 license amendment removed the obstacle, leading the defense to withdraw its motion.
Legal & Political Implications
The amendment preserves the defendants’ constitutional right to counsel while allowing the United States to pursue a high-profile narcotics case. It also reflects a broader shift in U.S. sanctions policy after the 2019 non-recognition of Maduro and the 2024 appointment of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president, indicating a more pragmatic stance toward Venezuela.
Reactions from Government, Judiciary, and Defense
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said the amended licenses comply with sanctions law, resolve the funding dispute and let the defense proceed without prejudice. Prosecutor Kyle Wirshba argued the original sanctions served legitimate national-security and foreign-policy interests. Judge Alvin Hellerstein noted the defendants pose no security threat and that the right to counsel is “paramount.” Defense attorney Barry Pollack maintained that the prior blockage violated Maduro’s constitutional right to choose counsel.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Some reports describe Judge Hellerstein as having “suggested dismissal” if the funding remained unavailable, while others record his explicit refusal to dismiss the case. The exact amount of Venezuelan funds earmarked for legal fees has not been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is entitled to use those resources to defend himself,” — Barry Pollack, Defense Attorney
- “The defendant is here, Flores is here. They present no further national security threat. The right that's implicated, paramount over other rights, is the right to constitutional counsel.” — Judge Alvin Hellerstein
- “The defendant is here, Flores is here. They present no further national security threat. The right that's implicated, paramount over other rights, is the right to constitutional counsel.” — Judge Alvin Hellerstein
- “sanctions blocking the payments were based on legitimate national security and foreign policy interests.” — Prosecutor Kyle Wirshba
Next Steps
The court is slated to hold a status conference within roughly 60 days to set a schedule for pre-trial motions and a trial date. Both parties have agreed to pause the speedy-trial clock, giving prosecutors time to exchange evidence and the defense time to review discovery.
