The President’s Inbox Washington’s Venezuela Strategy After Maduro, With Will Freeman
12 snips
Jan 7, 2026 Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into the fallout from the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. He discusses the tactical successes of the operation and its broader implications for U.S. strategy. Freeman elaborates on the power dynamics in Caracas, the weakened Venezuelan opposition, and why mass protests are unlikely. He assesses the geopolitical value of Venezuelan oil and regional impacts on Cuba and Nicaragua, while also exploring the reactions from China and Russia.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Two Competing U.S. Strategies In Venezuela
- The U.S. faces a choice between a narrow strategy focused on oil and geopolitical dominance or a broader push for democratic transition in Venezuela.
- Will Freeman warns the Trump administration currently favors a narrower, oil-centered approach backed by vested interests.
Rodríguez Rising, But Factions Persist
- Delcy Rodríguez appears to be consolidating power by surrounding herself with regime heavyweights and getting sworn in as interim president.
- Freeman notes significant internal factions exist and future stability depends on how power is redivided among regime figures.
Head Removal, Not Full Regime Overhaul
- The operation removed Maduro's head but has so far produced leadership reshuffle rather than wholesale regime change.
- Freeman argues critics overstated the risk of an Iraq-style regime-change war given current U.S. actions.