The New York Times has removed former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from its “39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026” list, updating the article with an editor’s note explaining the change.
The publication did not publicly provide a detailed explanation for the removal beyond referencing a separate Styles article about a viral image of Maduro.
Update
An editor’s note added to the bottom of the list on July 7 states:
“This article has been updated to remove an entry on Nicolás Maduro. Read our Styles story about how an image of him in a tracksuit became a meme.”
The list itself was originally published on July 7, while Page Six later reported on the removal.
Viral Image
The editor’s note directed readers to a New York Times Styles article discussing a photograph of Maduro wearing a gray tracksuit.
According to the publication, the image gained widespread attention online after President Donald Trump shared it on Truth Social following Maduro’s capture.
The Styles article noted that many online users focused on Maduro’s clothing rather than the political circumstances surrounding the image, turning it into a widely shared internet meme.
Maduro Case
According to the report, Maduro was captured following a U.S. military operation conducted on Jan. 3.
The operation reportedly involved more than 150 aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets, and targeted Venezuela’s military capabilities. Reports also indicated that Caracas experienced widespread power outages during the operation.
Maduro is currently awaiting trial in the United States on federal drug trafficking and weapons charges.
List
The New York Times’ annual style list featured a variety of public figures from entertainment, politics, sports, and media.
Among those included were comedian Stephen Colbert, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., artist Rama Duwaji, Second Lady Usha Vance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and podcast host Katie Miller.
The publication grouped Vance, Leavitt, and Miller under a category titled “Pregnant Women in the Trump Sphere,” describing them as representing an image of idealized femininity within the current administration.
The list also included actors, athletes, podcast hosts, foreign leaders, and New York Knicks fans.
Response
The New York Times had not publicly explained why Maduro was removed beyond the editor’s note, and the publication did not immediately respond to media requests for additional comment, according to reports.
FAQs
Why was Nicolás Maduro removed from the list?
The New York Times did not provide a detailed public explanation.
What list was Maduro removed from?
The ’39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026′ list.
What did the editor’s note say?
It said the entry was removed and linked to a Styles article.
When was the style list published?
The list was published on July 7, 2026.
Who else appeared on the list?
The list included politicians, entertainers, athletes, and media figures.
