Following his apprehension by American special forces in Venezuela, President Nicolas Maduro has unexpectedly become a trending fashion figure. The Venezuelan leader was seized by the elite Delta Force of the United States in a predawn mission and transported to American soil. A photograph emerged shortly after his capture, showing Maduro in US custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, sporting a blindfold, ear protection, and a Nike Tech tracksuit.
Subsequent to the release of the image by President Donald Trump on Truth Social, Maduro’s Nike tracksuit swiftly sold out, sparking a surge in popularity and earning it the moniker ‘Maduro fit.’ The Nike Tech fleece, priced at £109.99, paired with matching £89.99 bottoms, is a favored choice among athletes and musicians.
An AI-generated meme featuring the politician in the tracksuit, accompanied by Nike’s slogan ‘Just Do It,’ went viral, prompting online jests about his attire. Despite the initial attention to his stylish ensemble, Maduro was later spotted in New York clad in all-black attire with sandals, followed by orange prison overalls.
During a court appearance alongside his wife Cilia Flores, who is also facing charges, Maduro, labeled a ‘narco-terrorist’ by the US, maintained his innocence, proclaiming, “I am not guilty; I am the president of my country.” The arraignment hearing detailed charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy and cocaine importation conspiracy against Maduro, Flores, and others.
In a dramatic courtroom scene, Maduro, dressed in an orange shirt beneath a blue shirt and beige pants, reiterated his innocence, asserting, “I am a decent man and still the president of my country.” Flores, donning similar prison attire, affirmed her identity as the first lady and pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against her.
The indictment against Maduro includes accusations of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of firearms, and conspiracy to possess firearms. Furthermore, a senior Venezuelan official disclosed that the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in the US military operation resulted in a deadly outcome, claiming the lives of at least 40 individuals, including civilians and military personnel.