Quick Brief: Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal court after being seized in a U.S. operation, drawing widespread condemnation at an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting. Venezuela's defense minister rejected U.S. control claims, while Denmark warned that an attack on Greenland could threaten NATO. The report also notes a December slump in U.S. manufacturing, the immediate resignation of a convicted Wisconsin judge, and cancellations at the Kennedy Center after its decision to add President Trump's name.
Monday Mini-Report — Jan. 5, 2026: Maduro in Manhattan, U.N. Condemns U.S. Raid, NATO Tensions
Today's quick roundup of major developments from around the world.
Maduro In Court: Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty on Monday during their first appearance in a Manhattan federal court, officials said. The appearance came two days after they were seized in Caracas during a U.S. military operation.
U.N. Condemnation: At an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting, the United States faced sharp criticism — including from some close allies — over the incursion and the capture of President Maduro. The deputy French ambassador called the operation a serious blow to the foundations of international order.
Venezuela's Response: In a forceful address on Sunday, Venezuela's defense minister, Vladimir Padrino López, rejected any suggestion that the United States would take control of Venezuela, directly countering remarks attributed to President Trump a day earlier.
NATO Warning Over Greenland: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that ordering an attack on Greenland — a semiautonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark — could jeopardize the long-standing NATO alliance.
Economic Headwinds: U.S. manufacturing activity slipped to a 14-month low in December. New orders contracted and input costs rose, trends analysts tied in part to the impact of President Trump's import tariffs on the sector.
Wisconsin Judge Resigns: Hannah C. Dugan, a Wisconsin state judge convicted last month of obstructing federal agents attempting to arrest an undocumented immigrant, submitted a resignation letter to Governor Tony Evers on Saturday. The resignation is expected to take effect immediately.
Kennedy Center Backlash: After the Kennedy Center's board voted to add President Donald Trump's name to the venue, musicians and arts organizations began canceling scheduled events in protest.
