During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Marco Rubio declined to rule out potential future US military action in Venezuela while denying the Trump administration’s intention to take such steps. Rubio defended the US’s intervention, including the removal of Nicolás Maduro, seizure and sale of Venezuelan oil, and a push for cooperation on oil sales. Rubio cited a hypothetical scenario of an Iranian drone factory threatening US forces, but acknowledged that military action is not ideal for recovery and transition. Democrats and Republicans have differing views on Trump’s actions, with some pushback beginning in the courts.
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Following the US capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has voiced frustration with Washington’s influence, stating “enough already of Washington’s orders.” Rodríguez, navigating a complex political landscape, seeks to unite Venezuela while balancing relations with both Maduro loyalists and the US. The White House has demanded Venezuela sever ties with certain countries and prioritize US partnerships, particularly in oil production, the nation’s primary economic resource. Though the US initially signaled intent to control Venezuela, it ultimately backed Rodríguez’s interim leadership amidst ongoing pressure and a divided internal political scene.
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In a recent address, Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodríguez expressed frustration with Washington’s influence, declaring “enough” of US directives. Following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro by the US, Rodríguez is navigating internal divisions while attempting to balance relations with both Maduro loyalists and the White House. The US has demanded Venezuela cut ties with key allies and prioritize oil partnerships. Despite the pressure, Rodríguez has insisted that the US does not govern Venezuela, signaling a shift in the delicate balancing act she must perform as interim leader.
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In a recent interview, President Trump claimed the U.S. employed a secret weapon, “The Discombobulator,” to disable Venezuelan equipment during the capture of Nicolás Maduro. He also reiterated his commitment to military strikes against drug cartels, suggesting they could extend into Mexico. Furthermore, the president stated that the U.S. had seized oil from Venezuelan tankers and was attempting to secure an Arctic security deal with NATO. Finally, Trump shared his opinions on the Super Bowl, indicating his disapproval of the game’s performers.
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Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, has faced criticism on social media after advocating for the United States to free Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua from communism. This follows her presentation of her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump in appreciation of his support. Critics have labeled her a hypocrite, questioning her worthiness of the Nobel Prize and accusing her of warmongering. This controversy arose amid reports of a U.S. military raid and the use of a “secret sonic” weapon during a related operation in Venezuela.
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Following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela has received the initial proceeds from a US sale of its crude oil, totaling $300 million of the $500 million sale. Interim president Delcy Rodriguez announced these funds will be used to stabilize the foreign exchange market and protect workers’ purchasing power. Simultaneously, Venezuela’s lawmakers are set to debate reforms to oil contract laws, potentially loosening PDVSA’s control to attract foreign investment. The US also seized another Venezuela-linked oil tanker, marking the seventh such action under President Trump’s campaign to control Venezuela’s oil flows.
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In a recent post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump shared an AI-edited image depicting him with a map that includes Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela, sparking further controversy. This post follows Trump’s repeated assertions about annexing Greenland and Canada, as well as his claim of being the “Acting President of Venezuela.” The president has threatened tariffs on European allies who resist the acquisition of Greenland, leading to a diplomatic rift and expressions of solidarity with Denmark and Greenland. European Union ambassadors are now planning emergency meetings to discuss potential retaliatory measures in response to the threatened tariffs.
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On January 20, 2026, President Donald Trump shared an altered image depicting a map with Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela as U.S. territories. The image, posted on his social media platform, was a doctored version of a photo from August 2025, when Trump met with European leaders to discuss the Ukraine war. This post followed heightened tensions between the U.S. and its European allies regarding Trump’s desire to control Greenland, leading to potential sanctions. Furthermore, it comes after the U.S. military captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
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The first U.S. sale of Venezuelan oil since the Trump administration’s actions has gone to Vitol, a trading firm whose senior trader, John Addison, donated millions to Trump’s 2024 campaign. Addison reportedly pledged to Trump that Vitol would secure the best price for the oil, sparking accusations of corruption given Vitol’s history and the deal’s potential for windfall profits. Proceeds from the sale are being held in Qatar, raising concerns of a slush fund with a lack of oversight, as critics argue. This arrangement, along with the involvement of a campaign donor and the administration’s actions, fuels accusations of abuse of power.
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Former President Donald Trump, unlikely to receive a Nobel Peace Prize, sought to obtain one from Maria Corina Machado by feigning support for democracy in Venezuela. This maneuver highlights Trump’s primary motivation: ego. Trump’s actions, from attacking Venezuela to seizing reporters’ devices, demonstrate a growing megalomania that is alarming even some Republicans. While some hope Republican lawmakers will find the courage to challenge him, the author believes some are beyond redemption.
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John Q. Hosedrinker