Daniel Ortega Backs Maduro, Calls Trump's Actions a 'Monstrosity'

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega expressed strong solidarity with former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, calling his capture by U.S. forces a "monstruosidad" (monstrosity). During the 47th anniversary of the Sandinista revolution, Ortega accused the Trump administration of assaulting the presidential palace in Caracas, killing Maduro's mostly Cuban security detail, and transporting him to a New York prison on narcoterrorism charges. Source: Infobae via EFE

Escalating Rhetoric

Ortega's remarks mark a sharp escalation after months of relative restraint following Maduro's January 2026 detention. In April, he had described Trump as a "mentally deranged individual" for "kidnapping" Maduro and threatening Cuba with military action. The latest comments revive the confrontational tone that Ortega had previously avoided, even as his government made conciliatory gestures such as releasing political prisoners to avoid U.S. scrutiny. Source: Listín Diario

Broader Accusations

Ortega linked the Maduro case to Cuba, claiming that "exiled Cubans" are urging the U.S. to invade and arrest Raúl Castro. He criticized international organizations for remaining silent on Maduro's detention. Source: Emol

Key Points

• Ortega characterized the U.S. operation as an assault on Venezuela's presidential palace, resulting in deaths of guards. Source: Listín Diario
• He alleged that politicians "at the service of the powers" are asking for similar actions against Cuba. Source: Infobae
• The Nicaraguan leader extended support to Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, and criticized global inaction.