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United States President, Donald Trump, has ruled out holding snap elections in Venezuela within the next 30 days, citing the country’s need for political and economic stabilization.
His comments come as Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in a Manhattan federal court on Monday.
“We have to fix the country first. You can’t have an election. There is no way the people could even vote. We have to nurse the country back to health” Trump said as reported by the Independent.
He also suggested that the U.S. government might reimburse oil companies for expanding operations in Venezuela within 18 months, acknowledging that the plan would require substantial funding.
Read more: Venezuela names Rodriguez interim President after US capture of Maduro, as Pope calls for calm
In Manhattan, Maduro, 63, appeared before U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, insisting he remained Venezuela’s legitimate president.
“I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still president of my country,” he said through an interpreter before the brief hearing was interrupted by the judge.
The president and his wife, Cilia Flores, face multiple counts linked to an alleged large-scale cocaine trafficking operation.
During the 30-minute court session, Maduro was observed taking notes and listening attentively through headphones with translation assistance.
The case marks a high-profile escalation in U.S. efforts to pursue criminal charges against foreign leaders accused of involvement in international drug trafficking, and it highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Venezuela’s political future.
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