A rapid succession of outfit changes worn by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro after his capture has ignited a wave of online speculation.
Images and videos circulating online, attributed to US officials, appeared to show Maduro first in a gray Nike Tech tracksuit shortly after being taken into custody on January 3, followed by a series of jackets and hoodies during subsequent transfers.
By the time he appeared in court in New York on January 5, he was dressed in standard prison attire, marking at least four wardrobe changes in less than 48 hours.
Internet sleuths quickly seized on the details, sharing side-by-side comparisons and memes likening the sequence to 'an SNL skit' and 'more outfit changes than a fashion show.'
Commentators on X claimed the operation was a CIA-orchestrated psychological maneuver, alleging Maduro staged his surrender and agreed to cooperate in exchange for leniency, potentially exposing drug trafficking networks or foreign interference schemes.
Amid the online frenzy, a far more mundane explanation has emerged: the drastic temperature shift between Venezuela and New York City, where temperatures plunged from roughly 78°F to 22°F.
According to reports, upon arrival at DEA headquarters in Manhattan, Maduro, who is said to be under continuous medical supervision, showed early signs of hypothermia, prompting officials to adjust his clothing repeatedly.
Sudden exposure to the cold, damp air of a New York winter can trigger serious respiratory issues, persistent coughing, and extreme fatigue. For a 63-year-old, these risks are heightened by the possibility of preexisting conditions such as heart disease or asthma.
To help protect him, the DEA provided multiple layers of clothing: a heavy black jacket that zipped up completely, an additional sweater peeking out from the sleeves and a thick hood.
It is unclear whether Maduro was wearing the Nike tracksuit when he was captured or if it was later issued by US forces.
Regardless, the image of the Venezuelan president sporting the tracksuit sent the public on a buying frenzy for the $140 item.
Another outfit swap was into a blue sweater, produced by Origin USA, an outdoor clothing brand based in Maine.
Origin USA posted the images of Maduro flashing two thumbs up and wearing their Patriot Blue RTX on Saturday as agents from the DEA posed beside him.
'Welcome to America,' the post read. 'Good news, our "Patriot Blue" RTX shirt will be shipping in the spring.'
John Gretton 'Jocko' Willink Jr, retired US Navy SEAL officer and Origin co-owner, wrote on X: 'I’m looking forward to meeting the PATRIOT that put this Origin Built By Freedom Hoodie on Maduro and hearing the story…Thanks for your service and Bravo Zulu.'
While the reason for the wardrobe changes was due to cold weather, the internet suggested there was something more sinister at play.
'Nicolas Maduro is changing outfits more than an SNL cast member. It's like his arrest was more theater than substance. Not that I altogether don't enjoy his public humiliation,' one X user posted.
Another shared: 'Didn’t that military operation seem oddly easy? He looks pretty happy and relaxed for a man facing life in prison.
'Rumors are that former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest was a negotiated surrender. The world’s a stage.'
In every appearance, however, two items remained unchanged: thick white socks and flip-flops.
The footwear is standard in US federal detention facilities, designed to prevent inmates from using shoes as weapons or tools for self-harm, while also limiting their ability to move quickly.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court on Monday, both sporting a blue T-shirt with an orange T-shirt underneath and tan issue prison pants.
The couple put on headphones and listened to the proceedings through a translator.
As the hearing continued, Maduro took notes on a yellow pad in front of him and appeared impassive.
He stood and put his fingers on the table next to him as Judge Alvin Hellerstein read out a summary of the indictment against him, detailing four counts of drug trafficking and other charges.
Asked to identify himself, Maduro stood and told the court through the translator: 'I am Nicolás Maduro Moros. I am President of the Republic of Venezuela. I am here, kidnapped, since Saturday, January 3rd. I was captured in my house in Caracas, Venezuela.'
Judge Hellerstein, a 92-year-old Clinton appointee, cut him off and said: 'There is a time and place to go into all of that. I just need to know if you are Nicolás Maduro Moros.'
Maduro, briefly chastened, said: 'I am Nicolás Maduro Moros.'
Maduro and his wife both pleaded not guilty.
During his plea, Maduro said: 'I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man. I am still President of Venezuela.'
