Bulwark Takes LIVE: Trump Addresses Nation on Venezuela Regime Change Operation
6 snips
Jan 3, 2026 
This discussion features Mark Hertling, a retired U.S. Army general providing insights on military operations, and Ben Parker, an analyst dissecting the legalities involved in the regime change. They dive into the strategic implications of Maduro's capture, detailing the operational tactics and potential casualties involved. Questions arise about who might lead Venezuela next and the U.S.'s role in this transition. The panel also debates the motivations behind the operation, exploring connections to drug trade and oil, while raising concerns about the risks of prolonged involvement.
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Tactical Success, Strategic Vacuum
- The operation succeeded tactically but raised urgent questions about post-capture strategy and governance.
- Mark Hertling warned that decapitation without a plan risks prolonged chaos and instability.
Direct Rule And Policy Inconsistency
- Trump signaled U.S. intent to run Venezuela and influence its succession directly.
- Sarah Longwell and Ben Parker stressed this contradicts prior promises and lacks coherent foreign-policy justification.
Ask Concrete Operational Questions
- Reporters should press for specifics: chain of command, post-capture governance, sanctions, and diplomatic outreach.
- Mark Hertling listed concrete questions journalists must ask to clarify objectives and plans.