Maduro appeared in court again but did not speak throughout the proceedings; he has lost 26 pounds; Trump hinted that he may face further charges.

According to Mars Finance, on March 27, Venezuelan President Maduro appeared in court on March 26 at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. During the hearing, Maduro and his wife remained silent, only sitting in the dock listening to the proceedings, taking notes, and communicating with their lawyers. The court provided closed-circuit television for reporters to observe, but the viewing angles were limited. Media reports indicate that Maduro has lost approximately 13 kilograms since early January and is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. This detention center is notorious, described as a "living hell," and Maduro and his wife are unable to meet or communicate directly. For years, lawyers have claimed that detainees there are fed "expired, undercooked, and contaminated food," including "spoiled meat and dairy products." The focus of the trial was the issue of legal fees. The defense pointed out that the U.S. Treasury Department had briefly allowed the Venezuelan government to pay legal fees, but subsequently amended the authorization, claiming it violated the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and procedural justice, demanding the case be dropped or the lawyers be allowed to withdraw. The prosecution responded that the case involved national security and foreign policy, and therefore the government was not permitted to pay the fees, offering no other remedies. Judge Herlestein, 92, stated that the case would not be dismissed, questioning whether the defendant currently poses a threat to U.S. national security, and calling the case "unique and unusual." If the defense lawyers withdraw, the U.S. government may appoint lawyers to represent them. Outside the courtroom, many people rallied in support of Maduro, calling him a legitimate president, urging the release of Maduro and his wife, and criticizing the U.S. for wasting tax money and illegally interfering. Former U.S. President Trump hinted that Maduro may face further charges. (Daily Economic News)