By John Q. Hosedrinker 
President Trump revealed he informed American oil company heads about the US military’s attack on Venezuela before it occurred, a move experts have deemed illegal. This admission, made without consulting Congress, has sparked condemnation. Critics argue that the administration prioritized oil companies over lawmakers, potentially to benefit donors. While Trump claimed the oil companies are eager to invest, experts express doubts about their willingness to commit significant funds given the country’s instability and infrastructure needs.
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What an Authoritarian Oligarchy Looks Like: Trump Says Oil Execs Tipped Off About Venezuela Attack
Let’s unpack this, because what’s being described is a textbook example of how an authoritarian oligarchy operates. Trump, admitting he informed oil executives about a potential “attack” on Venezuela before notifying Congress – that’s not just a breach of protocol; it’s a blatant display of where his loyalties lie. He’s openly prioritizing the interests of the wealthy elite, those who can potentially enrich him, over the interests of the nation. It’s a system where the government essentially functions as a private club for the ultra-rich, and the rest of us are, as they say, just along for the ride.
This isn’t some abstract concept. It’s the practical application of power. When a president, and let’s be clear, this goes beyond just Trump, prioritizes insider knowledge for financial gain, it’s market manipulation and corruption rolled into one. The implication, and it’s a deeply disturbing one, is that the U.S. military could be utilized to further the economic interests of a select group of individuals. Forget national security; it’s about lining pockets. This isn’t just a political misstep; it’s a fundamental betrayal of the public trust. It’s the kind of thing that happens in the “shit-hole third-world countries” he often speaks about, except, apparently, it’s happening here.
The reaction, or lack thereof, is perhaps the most telling aspect of all this. Where’s the outrage? Where’s the demand for accountability? It feels like we’re watching the dismantling of our democracy in real-time, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of helplessness, a sense of “well, this is just how it is now.” That acceptance is what allows such behavior to continue unchecked, further solidifying the power of the oligarchy. The fact that oil execs are apparently getting a heads-up while Congress is kept in the dark should send shivers down everyone’s spines.
The idea that the US could be manipulated to start a war for oil is an old story but in the current climate could become even more likely. The whole situation stinks of corporatism, where the lines between state and corporate power are completely blurred. It’s a system where the government picks winners and losers, with the oil companies clearly being the winners in this scenario. If the claims are true, this is potentially even worse, especially if the oil companies are directly involved in orchestrating, or at least anticipating and profiting from, any military action.
And the cynicism is palpable. The expectation that Trump is getting a kickback, that the oil execs demanded this and bribed their way to this plan, is almost a given. The reality is that the oil companies have likely been anticipating an opportunity like this for decades. And that this is expected, not surprising, just more of the bad expected things. It’s a sad state of affairs when we’re no longer shocked by this kind of behavior; when we anticipate it. The truth is that the American public is too often apathetic, and the politicians are too beholden to their donors to push back effectively. It’s a vicious cycle.
This all raises a really important question: What happens when the military, the very institution meant to protect us, is essentially turned into a tool for corporate greed? What is a service member signing up for these days? It’s a question that deserves serious reflection, because the answers are not pretty. This situation is the consequence of unchecked capitalism, and a government that prioritizes wealth over the needs of its citizens.
Consider also that the implications extend beyond mere corruption. There’s the potential for international instability and even war. The mention of potential conflicts over oil and resources is a chilling reminder of how easily greed can lead to devastating consequences. The fact that the U.S. may not even need the oil to solve shortages because of the huge reserves available is especially telling. It’s greed, pure and simple.
The lack of action, the minimum pushback, from the American people on this blatant dismantling of the Constitution and the Republic is even more appalling. If they are allowed to get away with this, there is no limit to what they will do in the future. The whole situation is a horrifying illustration of how power concentrates and how quickly democratic norms can erode. It’s easy to feel helpless, but the time for complacency is over.