Analysis of videos from the US operation in Caracas, Venezuela in January 2026 reveals that several Russian-made Buk-M2 air defense systems were either disconnected from radar or stored at the time of the attack. These systems, stationed at locations like La Guaira and La Carlota air base, were unprepared for the US strikes, with some destroyed during deployment. The New York Times reports, based on US officials, that the systems may not have been operational for years, potentially due to lack of Russian maintenance, which may have been diverted to the war in Ukraine or part of a strategic agreement with the US. This suggests that Venezuela’s air defenses were caught off guard despite months of warnings.
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On Sunday, Donald Trump shared an edited image on TRUTH depicting himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” as of January 2026, seemingly after a US military operation toppled the Maduro government. Following the capture of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Trump reportedly allowed Delcy Rodríguez to assume control as interim president while vowing to oversee the Venezuelan government until a safe transition, with the US controlling the oil supply. Trump also warned of further military action if key figures didn’t comply with US demands, including access to Venezuelan oil, and announced plans to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude. The US Secretary of State outlined a three-step plan involving stabilization, access for US oil companies, and a transition period.
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So, the situation appears to be that Trump is saying he’s going to keep Exxon out of Venezuela’s oil industry. But, and this is a pretty big “but,” Exxon seems to be the one who doesn’t *want* in. It’s almost like a child throwing a tantrum, declaring they’re not inviting someone to a party the person wasn’t even planning on attending.
The crux of the matter seems to be Exxon’s assessment that the whole Venezuelan oil situation isn’t a good investment. They’ve essentially said, “It’s uninvestable,” which, coming from a major oil company, is pretty telling. It looks like they’re seeing a bunch of red flags: the low quality of the oil, the logistical nightmares of getting it out, and the sheer cost of modernizing the infrastructure.… Continue reading
In a recent Truth Social post, Donald Trump declared himself the “acting president of Venezuela,” sharing an edited screenshot of his Wikipedia page to support the claim. This follows his suggestion that he would “run” Venezuela after U.S. forces, allegedly, abducted its leader, Nicolás Maduro, for “narcoterrorism” charges. Trump plans to control the country’s oil reserves, including seeking $100 billion in investment to revive its oil production, though he is also considering blocking ExxonMobil from participating, due to the company’s CEO calling the country “uninvestable.” Trump has provided no timeline for elections in Venezuela, while suggesting that the Venezuelan government would transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S.
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Former President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Cuba, asserting that the island nation would receive “NO MORE OIL OR MONEY” and urging them to negotiate a deal with the United States. This warning follows recent U.S. military action in Venezuela, including the capture of Nicolas Maduro, which has significantly impacted Cuba’s oil supply. Trump suggested that the Venezuelan oil, a critical resource for Cuba, would now be diverted. This has led to the potential collapse of the Cuban economy due to the financial implications.
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Cuba defiant after Trump says island to receive no more Venezuelan oil or money. It’s hard to ignore the echo of the past when we talk about Cuba. It feels like we’re transported back to the Cold War era, doesn’t it? When a former president declares that Cuba won’t get Venezuelan oil or money, it throws us right back into the familiar pattern of sanctions and isolation. It’s like we’re watching history repeat itself, complete with the familiar posturing and defiance.
The initial reaction from Cuba, naturally, is to appear defiant. What else can they do? They’ve been facing challenges for decades, and this latest move just adds another layer to those difficulties.… Continue reading
The Nobel Peace Prize organizers have clarified that the award cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred, following Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado’s expressed desire to give her award to Donald Trump. Machado sought to dedicate the prize to the former US President for his support after the US launched a military strike in Venezuela. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Norwegian Nobel Institute affirmed that the decision is final and cannot be altered, citing the Nobel Foundation’s statutes. This clarification came in response to Trump’s statement that accepting the award from Machado would be a “great honor.”
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The U.S. State Department issued a security alert urging American citizens to leave Venezuela immediately, citing reports of pro-regime militias searching for U.S. citizens after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The alert warned of roadblocks and vehicle searches by armed groups known as colectivos. Despite the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry’s statement that the country is stable, reports from Caracas indicate the presence of armed colectivos and increased security checkpoints. This alert comes amidst preparations for the potential reopening of the U.S. embassy, and statements from Maduro, suggesting he is being held in a U.S. jail.
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The U.S. government has issued a security alert urging Americans in Venezuela to depart immediately due to security concerns and the inability of the U.S. to provide emergency assistance. The alert cites reports of armed groups operating on roads and searching vehicles for evidence of U.S. citizenship or support, as well as the resumption of international flights. Venezuela remains at the highest travel advisory level, Level 4: Do Not Travel, due to severe risks including wrongful detention, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services, and Americans are strongly advised to leave the country as soon as it is safe.
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President Trump has proposed a $100 billion investment in Venezuela’s oil industry, contingent on the removal of Nicolas Maduro. Despite the country’s vast oil reserves representing a tempting opportunity, oil executives expressed caution, citing concerns about investment due to past asset seizures. The US administration plans to manage oil sales and control the revenue, aiming to maintain leverage over the current government and ensure economic stability. While some firms are optimistic and ready to invest, analysts suggest that significantly boosting production will require substantial effort, indicating a cautious approach among potential investors.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Trump’s “Acting President of Venezuela” Post Sparks Outrage and Concerns
On Sunday, Donald Trump shared an edited image on TRUTH depicting himself as the “Acting President of Venezuela” as of January 2026, seemingly after a US military operation toppled the Maduro government. Following the capture of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, Trump reportedly allowed Delcy Rodríguez to assume control as interim president while vowing to oversee the Venezuelan government until a safe transition, with the US controlling the oil supply. Trump also warned of further military action if key figures didn’t comply with US demands, including access to Venezuelan oil, and announced plans to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of crude. The US Secretary of State outlined a three-step plan involving stabilization, access for US oil companies, and a transition period.
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