Inside Nicolás Maduro’s Last Days as Venezuela’s Leader

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by Anatoly Kurmanaev, Mariana Martínez and Tyler Pager

February 25, 2026

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Inside Nicolás Maduro’s Last Days as Venezuela’s Leader In the final weeks of his tenure, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro demonstrated a critical misjudgment of both his political strength and his interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump. This miscalculation ultimately led to his capture by U.S. forces, marking a turning point in Venezuela's political landscape. The situation unfolded during a period of heightened tension, as Maduro's regime faced internal divisions, economic collapse, and widespread international condemnation. Maduro's overconfidence played a pivotal role in his downfall. He believed he could navigate the complex外交 landscape with ease, particularly after a high-profile exchange with Trump. However, this interaction was misinterpreted by Maduro, who failed to recognize the growing opposition both domestically and internationally. His decision-making during these decisive weeks revealed a leader out of touch with reality, unable to gauge the true extent of his diminishing support and the rising pressure from external forces. The capture of Maduro by U.S. forces sent shockwaves through Latin America and beyond. It underscored the fragile state of Venezuela's governance and the potential for further instability in the region. The incident also highlighted the growing influence of U.S. policy in Venezuelan affairs, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Latin American relations. For readers interested in global politics, this story offers insight into the delicate balance of power, miscommunication, and the unintended consequences of international diplomacy. Ultimately, Maduro's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of overestimating one's position and underestimating the complexities of international relations. His downfall not only reshapes Venezuela's political trajectory but also has broader implications for global stability and leadership dynamics. This事件will likely be studied as a key example of how misjudgments at the highest levels can lead to dramatic and far-reaching outcomes.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026