Former US President Donald Trump has levelled an unusual new accusation against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, claiming the embattled leader is imitating his distinctive dance style.
A Dance-Off Amid Serious Allegations
The remarks were made on Tuesday at the House Republican party (GOP) member retreat in Washington DC. Following his speech, Trump was captured on camera performing a brief, characteristic dance. He later told the gathered congressional Republicans that Nicolás Maduro "gets up there and he tries to imitate my dance a little bit," referencing the Venezuelan president's public appearances.
This light-hearted jab, however, was paired with far graver claims. Trump asserted that Maduro, who faces US charges of terrorism and drug trafficking, is "a violent guy" who has "killed millions of people." He further alleged the existence of a torture chamber in central Caracas that was being closed. The former president did not provide detailed evidence to support these statements.
The Context of the Jibe
Trump's comments appear designed to compound the humiliation of Maduro, coming just a day after the Venezuelan leader's arraignment hearing at a federal court in Manhattan. The reference to dancing is believed to stem from a New York Times report suggesting Maduro's recent displays of nonchalance, including dancing on stage to a techno remix of his "No War, Yes Peace" mantra, contributed to Washington's decision to take action.
The report indicated that Trump's team interpreted Maduro's behaviour as mocking the US military buildup and demands for his resignation. This follows the dramatic US-led raid on Saturday that seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, an operation that resulted in dozens of deaths but ultimately left the Venezuelan government in place.
Trump's Own Dance Floor Diplomacy
Trump also addressed the domestic reaction to his own rally dancing, a subject of both scorn and adulation. He revealed that his wife, Melania, disapproves of the moves. "She hates it when I dance," Trump said, recounting a conversation where Melania told him the public was just "being nice." He insisted she was wrong, claiming "the place goes crazy" and audiences scream for him to dance.
While the late Hugo Chávez, Maduro's mentor, was also known for dancing at rallies, Trump framed Maduro's actions as a personal mimicry. The incident underscores the blend of personal theatrics and hardline geopolitics that characterised much of Trump's foreign policy approach, particularly regarding Venezuela.
