Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump posted a photo that observers described as humiliating for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He claimed it was taken aboard the USS IOW Gemma following Maduro’s capture. The photo shows Maduro wearing a tracksuit, blindfolded, and with his hands cuffed, holding a water bottle – a scene that sparked widespread political and media controversy both within the United States and internationally.
Trump captioned the photo: “Nicolas Maduro on board the USS IOW Gemma.” This was a direct reference to the success of the operation recently announced by Washington, which involved the capture of the Venezuelan president and his wife and their transfer to New York City for trial.
News background
The release of the photo comes amid an unprecedented escalation of US pressure against the Maduro regime. Washington has accused it for years of widespread corruption, money laundering, illicit oil trafficking, and gross human rights violations. The United States has imposed a long list of economic and political sanctions on Venezuela. These sanctions have included asset freezes and bans on oil transactions, in an attempt to isolate the regime and force its resignation.
During his presidency, Trump adopted a hardline policy toward Venezuela. He recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the legitimate president and supported international efforts to oust Maduro. However, the Venezuelan regime has managed to survive with the support of the military and external allies, most notably Russia and Iran.
Analysts believe that the release of the photo carries a political message that goes beyond mere media coverage. Trump seeks to portray Maduro in a state of utter humiliation. This is part of a campaign aimed at the US public, reinforcing an image of decisiveness and strength ahead of any upcoming political events.
