Venezuela's Maduro Due in NYC Court Today

Summary

Nicolás Maduro and his wife Celia Flores are due in Manhattan federal court on four criminal counts, led by narco-terrorism conspiracy. Bloomberg's Tyler Kendall reports from the White House that the US has a top economic interest in Venezuela's oil production and wants Venezuela's economy to recover, while analysts see a delayed democratic transition as more likely than chaos. Diplomatic engagement with remaining Venezuelan government officials is expected, and Myles Miller details the serious legal charges Maduro faces.

• Maduro and his wife appear in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges.
• Prosecutors allege a 25-year scheme involving drug money and diplomatic passports for traffickers.
• Maduro could face life in prison if convicted.
• Tyler Kendall reports the US priority includes Venezuela's oil production and economic recovery.
• Trump wants Venezuela's economy back, with emphasis on oil production.
• Bloomberg Economics downplays chaos risk but sees a delayed transition to democracy.
• A US official says a coalition will engage diplomatically with remaining Venezuelan government officials.
• Myles Miller notes the case contrasts with Trump's pardon of the former Honduran president.