The Socialist Program with Brian Becker ‘I Am the President of Venezuela,’ a Defiant Maduro Appears in NYC Court
Jan 6, 2026
Nicolás Maduro faced a U.S. court following his controversial capture. Trump’s dealings with oil monopolies before the attack on Venezuela sparked outrage. The military operation raised serious questions about legality and civilian casualties. Global reactions poured in, with China and Russia condemning U.S. actions. Protests erupted in the U.S., pushing back against imperialism. The hosts link historical U.S. interventions to current events while highlighting Wall Street's interest in Venezuela’s future, urging grassroots mobilization against war.
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Maduro's Arraignment As Imperial Signal
- The U.S. kidnapped and arraigned Nicolás Maduro in New York, framing it as a law enforcement operation while Venezuela and allies call it an act of imperial aggression.
- Brian Becker argues this reflects a long-standing bipartisan U.S. policy to overthrow socialist governments in Latin America.
End Of The Socialist Bloc Changed The Balance
- The collapse of the Soviet-led socialist camp removed a major geopolitical counterweight that previously supported revolutionary governments like Cuba and Venezuela.
- Brian Becker says this shift left socialist projects in the Global South far more exposed to U.S. imperial pressure.
Oil Interests And Regime Change
- Trump consulted U.S. oil executives before and after the operation, and U.S. energy stocks rose after the attack.
- Leanne Fulahan and Brian Becker highlight the oil sector's clear financial stake in regime-change actions.