During an exchange, Wiles acknowledged that drug smuggling is not a death penalty offense but framed the strikes as part of a “war on drugs” declared solely by the president. Whipple pointed out the lack of congressional approval, to which Wiles responded it was not yet needed. While admitting attacks on Venezuelan mainland would require congressional approval, Rubio deferred legal questions regarding the boat strikes to the Department of Defense. Despite Trump’s actions, Wiles maintained the president prefers to be seen as a peacemaker.
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Following his declaration of “peace on earth,” President Trump launched an unprovoked military attack on targets in Caracas, Venezuela. This surprise attack occurred shortly after a threat of a separate military action against Iran, and just days after a series of military strikes on Venezuelan boats. Trump claimed that regime change and access to Venezuelan natural resources were motivations for his actions, which also seemingly conflicted with his desire for a Nobel Peace Prize and a newly-created FIFA Peace Prize. The president’s recent military actions have caused controversy and raise questions given his previously expressed aspirations.
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Despite campaigning on an “America First” platform that rejected foreign intervention, Donald Trump has announced the United States will run Venezuela indefinitely. This decision marks a complete reversal of his prior stance against global policing, with the US potentially deploying troops and allowing American oil companies to profit from Venezuelan resources. Trump provided little detail about the operation’s legality or the long-term plan, aside from stating that American courts would be the proper forum for accountability. This abrupt shift in policy has alarmed global leaders, as it undermines international law and signals unpredictable US foreign policy, potentially leading to significant backlash and consequences for the US.
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Following the US abduction of Nicolás Maduro, interim President Delcy Rodríguez defiantly declared Venezuela would never be a colony and demanded Maduro’s release, directly contradicting the Trump administration’s plans. Rodríguez’s remarks, delivered alongside key Venezuelan officials, signaled unified resistance against the US’s attempt to control the country’s government and oil reserves. Trump, who claimed to be appointing individuals to lead Venezuela, threatened further attacks and warned Venezuelan officials of similar consequences as Maduro, who is detained in Brooklyn. These actions have been met with condemnation from some US politicians, who see it as the US starting an illegal war.
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Following military operations in Venezuela, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former Trump supporter, issued a stern warning to the former president, claiming such actions contradict the “America First” agenda. Greene criticized the use of American tax dollars for foreign interventions, citing concerns over the rising cost of living and the failure to address issues like the Mexican cartels’ role in the fentanyl crisis. She questioned the motivations behind the operations, particularly in light of Trump’s pardon of a former Honduran President convicted of drug trafficking. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer also noted concerns from some Republicans regarding Trump’s actions.
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The Department of Justice missed its deadline to explain the redactions in the Epstein files, sparking criticism, particularly after the deletion of 16 files, including one featuring Donald Trump with Epstein. While the DOJ cited privacy concerns as justification, some argue this doesn’t explain the delayed release of millions of files. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie are now pushing for a special master to ensure the files’ complete release and seeking to hold Attorney General Pam Bondi in contempt for non-compliance. The DOJ, using 400 lawyers, estimates the review and redaction process will continue until at least January 20th.
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Donald Trump, a draft dodger himself, recently shared a video of a U.S. military operation in Venezuela on Truth Social, accompanied by Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” a song critiquing privileged individuals who avoid military service. The song, written by John Fogerty, is a protest against those who use connections to evade the draft, a situation that ironically mirrors Trump’s own history. Despite being a veteran himself, Fogerty has previously expressed disapproval of Trump’s use of the song, even sending a cease-and-desist letter. Following the post, Trump gave a delayed press conference, where he admitted to wanting Venezuela’s oil reserves and asserted the U.S. would oversee the country’s transition.
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Following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, President Trump announced the United States’ intention to take over Venezuela, including seizing its oil reserves. He justified this action, citing Maduro’s illegitimate leadership and the need to secure Venezuela’s oil resources, planning to invest billions in infrastructure improvements. Trump’s decision, made without Congressional authorization, has sparked mixed reactions, with some, like Elon Musk, supporting the move and others, including some of Trump’s MAGA base, criticizing it. The operation, which involved a military presence and strikes, has raised questions about the U.S.’s long-term plan for running the country and the implications of this intervention.
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In a press conference, former President Donald Trump stated he did not view Maria Corina Machado as a viable replacement for Nicolás Maduro following the U.S. military’s intervention in Venezuela. Trump cited a lack of domestic support for Machado, despite her having won a 2023 primary and winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025. While Machado has called for a democratic transition and asserted the legitimacy of Edmundo González Urrutia’s claim to power, Trump indicated he was working with Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Maduro’s replacement. Mexico has condemned the US military action, while Argentina has expressed support.
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President Donald Trump’s actions, including the reported arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, have escalated his disregard for Congressional authority and expanded executive power. This move could result in a passive response or outright support from the Republican-led Capitol, further consolidating Trump’s power. Democrats are aiming to counteract this by initiating a war powers vote in the Senate to challenge Trump’s actions. The implications of this power grab could have substantial global consequences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker