Preview: What's Next for Venezuela

• Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE)
  

  • The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro.
  • The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations.
  • The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success.

• Geopolitical Context

  • Venezuela’s significance stems from its vast oil reserves (largest in the world) and strategic location near the U.S.
  • Maduro’s regime is portrayed as illegitimate, corrupt, and deeply involved in drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah).
  • The discussion highlights Venezuela’s decline from being one of the wealthiest nations in the 1950s to a failed state under socialist rule.

• Legal Justifications

  • President Trump acted within his constitutional authority under Article II as Commander-in-Chief.
  • References are made to historical precedents, notably the 1990 capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama.
  • The legal basis includes:
    • FBI’s extraterritorial arrest authority.
    • Precedents like the Ker-Frisbie doctrine and United States v. Alvarez-Machain.
    • DOJ opinions (including one by Bill Barr) affirming presidential power to authorize such actions.
  • Anticipated legal challenges include head-of-state immunity and UN Charter arguments.

• Future Implications (WATCH HERE: Is Cuba Ready to Fall?)
  

  • There will be geopolitical ripple effects in Latin America, especially Cuba and Colombia.
  • Avoiding prolonged U.S. military occupation in Venezuela is key
  • Discussion of possible democratic elections and leadership changes in Venezuela.

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