Nicolás Maduro's Outfit Changes Raise Eyebrows
Nicolás Maduro’s frequent outfit changes since arriving in the U.S. have captured the attention of the internet.
Since being captured and flown into the U.S. over the weekend, the deposed Venezuelan leader has been pictured in different sportswear outfits, including a hoodie from Origin. It is unclear where the outfits originated from or if they were provided by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Newsweek reached out to the DOJ by online submission form for comment.
Why It Matters
Maduro has been indicted on charges of “narco-terrorism.” The Department of Justice defines “narco-terrorism” as situations where traffickers, terrorists, and insurgents allegedly “use funds obtained from drug trafficking to exert military, political, and economic pressure against the countries in which they operate.”
On Monday, Maduro pleaded “not guilty” in court.
Maduro was first indicted on “narco-terrorism” conspiracy charges by the Southern District of New York in March 2020. Documents unsealed on Saturday show Maduro is now facing a further Justice Department indictment on charges of running a “corrupt, illegitimate government” fueled by a drug-trafficking operation that allegedly saw thousands of tons of cocaine smuggled into the U.S. A full breakdown of the charges he is facing can be viewed here.
What to Know
Photos and videos of Maduro after his arrest quickly spread on social media, highlighting an unusual aspect of his transit from Caracas to New York City: his rotating wardrobe. Since being captured and flown into the U.S., Maduro has been pictured several times in separate sportswear outfits, including items from companies Nike and Origin.
Criminal defense attorneys often influence their clients’ outfits. Still, former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani told Newsweek that it probably wasn’t the case with the Origin and Nike sweatshirts, since Maduro’s attorney likely hadn’t yet been able to meet with him.
“Being in prison garb is highly prejudicial, so every criminal defense attorney wants to make sure their clients are in civilian clothing, and not just any type of civilian clothing,” Rahmani told Newsweek. “You see a lot of neutral colors and sweaters.”
Average outfits elicit more sympathy from the jury, Rahmani said.
“Going forward, everything [Maduro] wears will be approved by his lawyer,” he said.
Initially, images reportedly showed Maduro in a gray sweatsuit and later in a variety of jackets and hoodies, most notably a light-blue Origin-branded pullover. These outfit changes coincided with significant environmental shifts during his extradition-from tropical Caracas, with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, to New York, where winter temperatures dipped to the low 20s.
In addition to sporting the new outfits, Maduro is frequently seen giving a double thumbs-up, despite being in handcuffs.
Origin’s “Patriot Blue RTX” hoodie drew particular notice after the company’s CEO and founder, Pete Roberts, confirmed that it was indeed Origin’s garment on Maduro.The brand, based in Farmington, Maine, also used its official social media channels to respond to the sudden exposure, noting that the hoodie had not yet been released for public sale and was only available for pre-order. Roberts explained that it was likely a DEA agent provided the hoodie to keep Maduro warm in subfreezing temperatures during his New York transfer.
However, the internet has provided other unproven theories behind Maduro’s frequent outfit changes.
“US special forces must have ample time to pack a sportswear suitcase for Maduro during the 3-hour raid,” account @denisewu posted on X on Sunday. “Good call, the first two outfits (Nike and Orgin (sic)) are sold out faster than Maduro's outfit change.”
“Maduro keeps changing outfits several times a day. He looks awfully happy for someone who was supposedly arrested. It's all one big show…” account Mr. Nobody posted.
What People Are Saying
John Gretton “Jocko” Willink Jr., author, retired U.S. Navy SEAL officer and Origin co-owner, wrote in a post on social media: “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.”
X account @therealbuni posted with a photo collage of Maduro in different outfits: “Maduro in 1 day nailed more outfits than I will in the whole 2025.”
X account @RussonPolitics posted: “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.”
X account Arizona Patriot posted with photos of Maduro in four different outfits: “Maduro changed outfits more times on the way to jail than Lady Gaga does during one of her concerts.”
Origin’s official X account in a post: “Welcome to America. Unfortunately, our ‘Patriot Blue’ RTX shirt won't be shipping ’till spring. But they are available for Pre-order!”
What Happens Next
Maduro is expected to appear in federal court in the coming days to face multiple criminal charges. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities continue their investigation into the broader network allegedly run by Maduro during his tenure as Venezuela's leader.
As coverage of Maduro's arrest and trial proceeds, the visual narrative of his shifting attire is likely to remain a topic of cultural interest, both for its symbolic resonance and as a footnote in the high-stakes legal actions now unfolding.
Newsweek
This story was originally published January 5, 2026 at 2:59 PM.