The White House claims control over Venezuela’s government despite the acting president’s assertion of independent rule after the removal of Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces. White House officials, including President Trump, are reportedly coordinating with Venezuelan “interim authorities,” with the U.S. supposedly dictating their decisions. This contradicts claims from acting president Delcy Rodriguez, who declared Venezuela’s government to be in charge. Trump’s decision to allow Rodriguez to lead, rather than installing opposition figures, is reportedly due to her military support and Trump’s disapproval of opposition leader Machado.
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In an apparent effort to evade U.S. sanctions, the Venezuela-linked oil tanker Bella 1, part of the “dark fleet,” changed its name to Marinera, painted a Russian flag, and reflagged to Russia. This occurred mid-voyage as the vessel was fleeing U.S. Coast Guard interception. Following this, the tanker was spotted off the coast of Ireland, prompting aerial surveillance by the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland. Russia subsequently deployed a submarine and other naval assets to escort the tanker to its own waters, while the U.S. continues to track the vessel, which has been under U.S. Treasury sanctions since June 2024.
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A highly confidential CIA assessment warned of a wider conflict in Venezuela if the U.S. supported the democratic opposition after the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The assessment, commissioned by senior policymakers, influenced President Trump’s decision to authorize Operation Absolute Resolve, which aimed to seize Maduro. However, instead of backing the opposition, Trump aligned with Maduro’s chosen vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, who was subsequently named interim president. This decision, according to experts, stemmed from a desire to avoid the mistakes made during the Iraq invasion and potentially an attempt to work with elements of the existing government.
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Trump demands Venezuela kick out China and Russia, partner only with US on oil. The whole situation feels like a bad movie, doesn’t it? It’s hard not to see the echoes of the past, specifically the Monroe Doctrine, a relic of a bygone era. It’s almost comical how a concept from centuries ago is being dusted off and applied to the modern world, as if ignoring the advancements in technology and global relations. One has to wonder if those pushing these ideas fully grasp the current landscape.
The core issue here is Venezuela’s oil, and Trump’s insistence on exclusive partnership with the US.… Continue reading
US seizing Venezuela-linked oil tanker after weeks-long pursuit, and the whole situation certainly feels like something out of a spy thriller, doesn’t it? It’s the kind of thing that grabs your attention immediately: a tanker, linked to Venezuela, caught in a weeks-long chase across the Atlantic, only to be seized by the US. The fact that the vessel reportedly changed its flag to Russian mid-journey, and that Russia allegedly deployed a nuclear submarine to shadow it, adds layers of intrigue that make you wonder what the heck is really going on. It’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill oil shipment.
The US European Command confirmed the seizure, announcing it was a result of violations of US sanctions.… Continue reading
U.S. forces are attempting to seize an oil tanker, formerly known as Bella 1 and now the Marinera, allegedly linked to Venezuelan oil and accused of violating U.S. sanctions by transporting Iranian oil. The vessel, which has reportedly been reflagged to Russia, is currently in the North Atlantic and is being escorted by a Russian submarine and other vessels. The U.S. Coast Guard previously attempted to board the ship in the Caribbean, but the vessel has since changed course and is now near the arrival of US military aircraft and helicopters. While Russia claims the ship is operating peacefully within international law, the U.S. is planning to board the ship rather than sink it, according to reports.
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According to Fiona Hill, a former Trump administration advisor, Russian officials proposed a swap in 2019 where the Kremlin would withdraw support for Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela in exchange for the US allowing Russia a free hand in Ukraine. This idea, which surfaced again after the recent US operation to capture Maduro, was communicated through articles referencing the Monroe Doctrine. Hill stated that Russian officials, including the then-ambassador to the US, hinted at this arrangement, but the US showed no interest. Hill further noted that the current situation makes it more difficult for Ukraine’s allies to condemn Russia’s actions, and the Kremlin may be pleased by the US’ actions in Venezuela.
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Bolton on Trump’s Venezuela plan: ‘I don’t think he understands anything’ – and it’s a sentiment that, frankly, resonates pretty strongly. The whole situation feels less like a calculated strategy and more like… well, a complete lack of understanding. The core of this seems to be that Trump doesn’t grasp the complexities of international relations, geopolitical strategy, or even the basic nuances of economics, beyond how they can personally benefit him. This isn’t a new revelation; it’s a running theme of his political career.
It appears that Trump’s decisions are primarily driven by self-interest and a desire to consolidate power. The idea that he’s capable of crafting an intricate, multi-layered plan, especially one involving international policy, seems far-fetched.… Continue reading
The author critiques the notion that Donald Trump’s actions regarding Venezuela constitute a “freedom agenda,” arguing that Trump’s primary focus is on securing Venezuela’s oil resources for American companies, not on promoting democracy or human rights. Trump has dismissed the legitimate democratic opposition and instead is working with Maduro’s Marxist vice president and has threatened violence. The author points out that Trump’s actions are driven by a desire for plunder and bullying, contrasting this with historical US interventions aimed at promoting freedom and democracy. Trump’s behavior is compared to the actions of an outlaw nation and the author’s final statement is, “This. Is. Not. True.”
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood