World News In Brief
Venezuela president is charged with federal crimes
President Nicolas Maduro, along with wife, Cilia Flores, were captured by U.S. forces in a raid on Jan. 3. This raid took place as part of “Operation Absolute Resolve,” which is a military operation aimed at transporting Maduro to the United States in order to press federal drug crime charges. Maduro and Flores appeared in a New York federal court for their arraignment on Jan. 5, 2026, where he and his wife pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Supreme leader of Iran acknowledges protest casualties
On Jan. 17, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, made a public announcement acknowledging the deaths during recent protests. In this announcement, Khamenei blamed President Donald Trump for the deaths by stating that Trump encouraged protestors with the promise of US military support. According to CNN, government forces killed over 3,200 people during the protests. Trump responded in a press statement, “His country is the worst place to live anywhere in the world because of poor leadership.”
“Anti-Trump” protests erupt in Greenland
On Jan. 17, thousands of citizens across Greenland and Denmark gathered at the “Hands off Greenland” protest. This protest took place in response to the Trump administration’s recent plans to impose tariffs on Greenland. According to AP News, protestors wore red hats with the phrase “Make America go Away” “parodying” Trump’s “MAGA” slogan. Trump responded to the protests and the recent NATO meeting at an interview with the “World Economic Forum,” stating, “ultimately this is a matter of national security.”
