After being seized by American special operations forces from his residence in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro has unexpectedly gained popularity as a fashion trendsetter.
The Venezuelan leader was apprehended by the US elite Delta Force in a covert mission and transported to the United States. Following his capture, a photograph surfaced showing Maduro in US custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, sporting a blindfold, ear protection, and a Nike Tech tracksuit.
Following President Donald Trump’s sharing of the image on Truth Social, Maduro’s Nike tracksuit swiftly sold out, sparking an online frenzy. The Nike Tech fleece priced at £109.99 and matching bottoms at £89.99, typically favored by athletes and musicians, have now been dubbed the ‘Maduro fit.’
An AI-generated meme featuring the politician in the tracksuit with the Nike slogan ‘Just Do It’ went viral, with individuals humorously commenting on his outfit choice. Observers joked about Maduro’s appearance in the Nike tech fleece, comparing it to attire for a sports match.
Despite his initial stylish appearance, Maduro was later seen in New York clad in all black with socks and sandals, and subsequently in orange prison overalls.
Accompanied by his wife Cilia Flores, the president appeared in court in Manhattan facing accusations of being a ‘narco-terrorist’ by the US. Maduro maintained his innocence, affirming, “I am not guilty, I am the president of my country.”
During the arraignment, the judge listed the charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy, which also implicated Cilia Flores. Maduro, dressed in an orange shirt with a blue shirt over it and beige pants, reiterated his innocence, while Flores, dressed in similar prison attire, asserted her innocence as well.
In addition to the narco-terrorism conspiracy charge, the indictment includes allegations of cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of firearms, and conspiracy to possess firearms.
President Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores were apprehended in a nighttime military operation led by the US, characterized by President Trump as “dark and deadly,” resulting in casualties among civilians and military personnel, according to a senior Venezuelan official.