{"id":2573746,"date":"2026-02-25T23:06:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-26T04:06:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/maduro-lawyer-says-us-blocking-venezuela-from-funding-defense\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T23:09:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T04:09:15","slug":"maduro-lawyer-says-us-blocking-venezuela-from-funding-defense","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/maduro-lawyer-says-us-blocking-venezuela-from-funding-defense\/","title":{"rendered":"Maduro lawyer says US blocking Venezuela from funding defense"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">18<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fmaduro-lawyer-says-us-blocking-venezuela-from-funding-defense%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2573746&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Former Venezuelan president Nicol\u00e1s Maduro\u2019s lawyer says the Trump administration is blocking Venezuela from paying for his legal defense as he faces federal drug-trafficking charges. In a letter to a Manhattan judge, Maduro\u2019s attorney Barry Pollack said the Treasury Department initially authorized state funding for Maduro\u2019s defense but reversed course days later without explanation, though funding reportedly remained for another maduro associate\u2019s attorney. Maduro\u2019s wife, Cilia Flores, adn their son are also defendants in the case, and the family could face life in prison if convicted; they remain in custody until their next court date on March 17. Maduro and his wife have pleaded not guilty to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nfl-great-brett-favre-sued-by-mississippi-over-misspent-welfare-funds\/\" title=\"NFL Great Brett Favre Sued By Mississippi Over Misspent Welfare Funds\">charges tied<\/a> to a <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >purported state-backed cocaine trafficking network<\/a>. Pollack argues that blocking payment violates Maduro\u2019s constitutional right to counsel and Venezuelan law requiring state funding for a sitting or former head of state facing official-duty prosecutions; prosecutors and the treasury have not publicly explained the reversal. Pollack has previously represented Julian Assange as well.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">US blocking Venezuela from paying Maduro&rsquo;s drug defense, ex-dictator&rsquo;s lawyer says<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2516068\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>Former Venezuelan dictator <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/nicolas-maduro\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"2252\">Nicol&aacute;s Maduro&rsquo;s<\/a> lawyer said the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/trump-administration\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"339\">Trump administration<\/a> is blocking <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/venezuela\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"910\">Venezuela&rsquo;s<\/a> government from paying for his legal defense as the former leader faces sweeping <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/drug-trafficking\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"17682\">drug trafficking charges<\/a> in a federal court.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/storage.courtlistener.com\/recap\/gov.uscourts.nysd.376123\/gov.uscourts.nysd.376123.288.0.pdf\">the letter sent <\/a>by Maduro&rsquo;s lawyer, Barry Pollack, to a Manhattan federal judge, the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/treasury-department\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"3544\">Treasury Department<\/a> initially authorized Venezuela to cover Maduro&rsquo;s legal fees but reversed course days later without an explanation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4472070\/doj-reporter-device-search-blocked\/\">DOJ barred from searching Washington Post reporter&#8217;s seized devices<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4471956\/biden-judge-strikes-third-country-deportation-high-court-allowed\/\">Biden judge strikes down &#8216;third country&#8217; deportations after Supreme Court approval<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4471850\/woman-pleads-guilty-stealing-millions-feeding-our-future\/\">Minnesota woman pleads guilty to stealing millions through Feeding our Future fraud<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>Pollock said the move now threatens Maduro&rsquo;s ability to defend himself adequately in the criminal prosecution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In the letter, Pollock explains that the Treasury&rsquo;s Office of Foreign Assets Control granted Venezuelan state funding on Jan. 9, still restricted under sanctions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The authorization was later withdrawn, even as permission reportedly remained in place for attorney Mark Donnelly, who is representing Maduro&rsquo;s wife, Cilia Flores, his co-defendant.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Maduro&rsquo;s son is also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/another-wave-of-portland-police-quit-amid-massive-spike-in-shootings-and-stabbings-fire-dept-responding-to-10-homeless-tent-fires-a-day\/\" title=\"Another Wave Of Portland Police Quit Amid Massive Spike In Shootings And Stabbings; Fire Dept. Responding To 10+ Homeless Tent Fires A Day\">facing charges<\/a>, and the family could face life in prison if found guilty. The family will remain in custody until their <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4406772\/maduro-pleads-not-guilty-new-york-drug-charges\/\">next court date on March 17<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Maduro and his wife <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4406772\/maduro-pleads-not-guilty-new-york-drug-charges\/\">pleaded not guilty last month<\/a> to U.S. charges accusing them of participating in a massive cocaine trafficking conspiracy tied to what prosecutors have described as a state-backed narcotics network. The couple has been held without bail in New York since their capture by U.S. forces in Venezuela on Jan. 3.<\/p>\n<p>Pollack argued that blocking payment from Venezuela violates Maduro&rsquo;s constitutional right to counsel and that Venezuelan law requires the state to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/california-laws-to-take-effect-in-2026-here-are-key-highlights\/\" title=\"California laws to take effect in 2026; here are key highlights\">fund legal representation<\/a> for a sitting or former head of state facing prosecution related to official duties.<\/p>\n<p>Maduro&rsquo;s attorney said Maduro lacks personal access to funds due to sanctions imposed on the Venezuelan government, which is now being led by former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, and its financial system.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/op-eds\/4468248\/el-mencho-killing-trump-opportunity-mexico-drug-cartels\/\"><strong>EL MENCHO AND TRUMP&rsquo;S OPPORTUNITY IN MEXICO<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>U.S. prosecutors and the Treasury have not publicly explained why the payment authorization was rescinded, according to court filings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Pollack has also represented Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder who was charged under the Espionage Act for obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Maduro\u2019s lawyer, Barry Pollack, says the Trump administration is preventing Venezuela from paying for his defense as he faces federal drug-trafficking charges. In a letter to a Manhattan judge, Pollack said the Treasury Department first allowed Venezuelan funding for Maduro\u2019s legal fees but reversed course a few days later without explanation. He argues that blocking the payments harms Maduro\u2019s right to counsel and that Venezuelan law requires the state to fund representation for a sitting or former head of state charged over official duties. The Treasury\u2019s Office of Foreign Assets Control reportedly granted funding on Jan. 9 under sanctions, but later withdrew the authorization, even as some reports indicated permission remained for attorney Mark Donnelly, who represents Maduro\u2019s wife, Cilia Flores, and is a co-defendant. Maduro\u2019s son is also charged, and the family could face life in prison if convicted; they remain in custody until their next court date on March 17. Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges accusing them of participating in a state-backed cocaine trafficking conspiracy. They have been detained in New York since Jan. 3. Pollack says Maduro cannot access funds due to sanctions on the Venezuelan government, now led by former Vice President Delcy Rodr\u00edguez, and its financial system. Prosecutors have not explained why the payment authorization was revoked. Pollack has also represented Julian Assange in other matters<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4130,"featured_media":2573747,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26057025764877.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[74604,74605,36612,74603,50813],"class_list":["post-2573746","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-defense-funding","tag-international-law-2","tag-maduro","tag-us-sanctions-2","tag-venezuela-2"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26057025764877.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573746","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2573746"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573746\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2573750,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2573746\/revisions\/2573750"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2573747"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2573746"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2573746"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2573746"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}