US President Donald Trump has accused ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro of imitating his signature dance moves, adding a bizarre twist to escalating tensions between the two countries. Speaking to congressional Republicans in Washington, Trump claimed Maduro 'tries to imitate my dance a little bit' during public appearances.
The accusation follows reports that Maduro's recent dancing, including a techno remix of his mantra 'No War, Yes Peace', influenced the White House's decision to abduct him. US forces seized Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores in a raid on Saturday, resulting in dozens of deaths and leaving Venezuela's government in place but stunned.
Trump's comments appeared designed to further humiliate Maduro, who faced an arraignment hearing at a federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday on terrorism and drug trafficking charges. The US president also made grave claims, alleging Maduro 'has killed millions of people' and operated a torture chamber in Caracas, though he provided no evidence.
Trump has faced criticism for his own dancing at rallies, including to the disco song YMCA, but supporters have embraced it. He revealed that his wife Melania considers his moves unpresidential, telling him 'they don't like it. They're just being nice to you.' Trump disagreed, insisting crowds go 'crazy' when he dances.
