Donald Trump has accused the ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of imitating his signature dance moves, adding a bizarre twist to the already tense relationship between the two men. Speaking to a gathering of congressional Republicans in Washington, the US president said Maduro 'tries to imitate my dance a little bit' during public appearances.
The accusation comes amid reports that Maduro's regular dancing and nonchalant displays in recent weeks contributed to the White House's decision to authorise his abduction. US forces seized Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a raid on Saturday that left dozens dead and stunned the Venezuelan government, though the regime remained in place.
Trump's comments appeared designed to heap further humiliation on Maduro, who faced a federal court in Manhattan on Monday for an arraignment hearing on terrorism and drug trafficking charges. The US president also made darker claims, alleging without evidence that Maduro 'has killed millions of people' and that a 'torture chamber' exists in Caracas.
Trump has faced widespread mockery for his own dancing at rallies, including to the disco song YMCA. His wife, Melania, has reportedly told him she considers his moves unpresidential. Trump said she told him: 'They don't like it. They're just being nice to you.' He dismissed her criticism, insisting the crowd loves it.
