Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro burst into an energetic dance at a weekend rally—swaying, jumping and pumping his fists as he urged supporters to embrace a message of peace, even as the United States ramps up military and political pressure on his government.

The display followed a similar theatrical moment last week, when Maduro appeared before a large crowd singing John Lennon's "Imagine," holding up peace signs as he cast himself as a champion of calm and unity. Together, the performances highlight his flair for spectacle while sending Washington a clear signal of defiance.

Newsweek has contacted the U.S. State Department and Venezuela's Foreign Ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The rallies come amid a sharp escalation in U.S.-Venezuela tensions . Since late August, the

See Full Page