The Bulletin US Captures Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro
27 snips
Jan 6, 2026 
Join national security expert Elizabeth Neumann, with extensive experience across three presidential administrations, and David French, a legal commentator and New York Times columnist, as they dissect the jaw-dropping capture of Nicolás Maduro. They explore the motivations behind this operation, the historical context of U.S. regime changes, and the potential repercussions for Venezuela and U.S. foreign policy. Delve into the legal implications and the risks of undermining international norms, while contemplating what comes next for Maduro and the region.
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Law Enforcement Framing For A Military Raid
- The U.S. treated the Caracas operation as a law-enforcement extraction rather than an act of war.
- That framing allowed the administration to avoid consulting Congress while deploying special forces and air power.
Caracas Citizens Face Immediate Hardship
- Venezuelan citizens face immediate uncertainty and shortages amid the operation's disruption.
- Mike Cosper highlighted risks to basic services and the long road to rebuild oil infrastructure and economy.
Nonrecognition Used To Justify Charges
- Neumann noted over 60 countries refused to recognize Maduro as legitimate after disputed elections.
- That nonrecognition formed the legal rationale for indicting and extraditing him under U.S. law.