WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders are expecting to hear more about the U.S. government’s plans for the future of Venezuela, as top officials from President Donald Trump’s administration head to Capitol Hill to brief select lawmakers Monday evening.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other officials will discuss Venezuela with House and Senate leadership, as well as top members of the intelligence committees and national security committees.
Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro declared himself “innocent” and a “decent man” as he pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in a U.S. courtroom on Monday, his first court appearance for what is likely to be a prolonged legal fight.
“I’m innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the president of my country,” Maduro told a judge.
Maduro appeared in court on the narco-terrorism charges the Trump administration used to justify capturing him and bringing him to New York.
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