The United States government has granted permission for Venezuela to pay legal fees for Nicolás Maduro's defense in his federal criminal case on drug trafficking charges.

The decision resolves an issue that had been pending in Maduro's criminal proceedings for several weeks. Last month, a federal judge expressed skepticism about the U.S. government's initial rationale for blocking access to funds for the Venezuelan leader's legal representation.

Maduro faces federal charges related to drug trafficking in a case that has drawn significant attention given his role as Venezuela's president. The criminal proceedings have been complicated by questions over funding for his defense team.

The authorization allows the Venezuelan government to directly pay Maduro's lawyers, addressing concerns that had arisen about his ability to mount an adequate legal defense. The specific amount of funds or details about payment arrangements were not immediately disclosed.

The case represents one of the most high-profile criminal prosecutions of a sitting world leader by U.S. authorities. Maduro has maintained his innocence on the charges against him.