World

Trump casts Maduro as 'narco-terrorist' driving American deaths. Experts have questions

January 9, 2026

Former President Trump has labeled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a 'narco-terrorist,' claiming he is responsible for the deaths of 'hundreds of thousands' of Americans due to drug trafficking. However, experts dispute this assertion, indicating that Venezuela is not significantly involved in the fentanyl trade, which is the primary contributor to U. S. drug fatalities.

In this courtroom sketch, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, left, and his wife, Cilia Flores, second from right, appear in Manhattan federal court with their defense attorneys Mark Donnelly, second from left, and Andres Sanchez, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in New York. (Elizabeth Williams via AP)

Credit: (Elizabeth Williams / Associated Press)

Key Highlights

Trump accuses Maduro of causing hundreds of thousands of American deaths through drug trafficking.
Experts challenge Trump's claims, stating Venezuela does not play a major role in fentanyl production or distribution.
Fentanyl is identified as the main drug responsible for U. S. overdose deaths.

Sources

Trump casts Maduro as 'narco-terrorist' driving American deaths. Experts have questions

This quick summary is automatically generated using AI based on reports from multiple news sources. The content has not been reviewed or verified by humans. For complete details, accuracy, and context, please refer to the original published articles.

Trump casts Maduro as 'narco-terrorist' driving American deaths. Experts have questions

Key Highlights

Sources

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