U.S. Court Rules Government Must Provide 'Meaningful Opportunity' for Protection Under Convention Against Torture

Nicolás Maduro Moros (born November 23, 1962) is a Venezuelan politician who has served as the president of Venezuela since 2013. He began his career as a bus driver and trade union leader before entering politics. Maduro was elected to the National Assembly in 2000 and held several significant positions under President Hugo Chávez, including President of the National Assembly (2005–2006), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2006–2012), and Vice President (2012–2013). After Chávez's death in March 2013, Maduro assumed the presidency and won a special presidential election in April 2013 with 50.62% of the vote as the candidate of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). He has governed Venezuela largely by decree since 2015, using powers granted by the ruling party legislature. Maduro was re-elected in 2018, though his government has faced widespread domestic and international criticism over election legitimacy and governance. His presidency has been marked by Venezuela’s severe economic crisis and political turmoil. In late 2018, leaked images of an extravagant Christmas party held by the pro-Maduro Supreme Tribunal of Justice sparked public outrage, highlighting the contrast between the government’s spending and the country’s hardships. In recent years, Maduro’s administration has been accused by various governments and organizations of undermining democratic institutions and holding elections considered fraudulent by international observers. Municipal elections scheduled in 2025 have continued to draw criticism as attempts to consolidate his regime’s control amid ongoing political unrest and economic challenges in Venezuela[1][2][3].

Donald John Trump, born June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, is an American businessman, media personality, and politician. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School in 1968 with a degree in economics. In 1971, he took over his family’s real estate business, renaming it the Trump Organization, through which he expanded into building and managing skyscrapers, hotels, casinos, and golf courses. Trump gained widespread fame as the host of the reality TV show *The Apprentice* from 2004 to 2015, which helped establish his public persona as a successful entrepreneur. Trump entered politics as a Republican and was elected the 45th president of the United States, serving from 2017 to 2021. His presidency was marked by significant policy actions including tax cuts, deregulation, the appointment of three Supreme Court justices, renegotiation of trade agreements (notably replacing NAFTA with the USMCA), and a focus on immigration control including border wall expansion. He withdrew the U.S. from international agreements such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran nuclear deal, and engaged in a trade war with China. His administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was criticized for downplaying the virus’s severity. Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives—first in 2019 for abuse of power and obstruction, and again in 2021 for incitement of insurrection—but was acquitted by the Senate both times. After losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, Trump challenged the results, culminating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He remains a central figure in American politics, having won the 2024 presidential election and returned as the 47th president in 2025, continuing to promote policies aimed at economic growth, border security, and military strength[1][2][3][4].