Legal AF by MeidasTouch Trump's Top Venezuela Aide Turns Against Him on Invasion
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Jan 5, 2026 
Elliott Abrams, former U.S. special envoy to Venezuela and a seasoned foreign policy official, joins to critique the Trump administration's approach to Venezuela. He highlights the lack of a democracy plan, calling it an oil-driven strategy rather than one aimed at genuine democratic reform. Abrams advocates for supporting exiled leaders and challenges the U.S. readiness to manage Venezuela's future. The discussion raises important questions about the intertwining of U.S. interests and regional politics, delving into the implications for international law.
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Big Oil Over Democracy
- Michael Popok argues the Trump administration prioritized Big Oil interests over installing a democratic government in Venezuela.
- That choice risks leaving Maduro's regime apparatus intact while reshaping it to favor U.S. oil companies.
Abrams Calls For Democracy First
- Elliott Abrams criticizes the administration for lacking a plan to reinstall a democratic government from exile.
- He stresses the U.S. should demand expulsion of Cuban and Iranian officials and back the election winner Edmundo Gonzalez.
Running Venezuela From Washington Is Implausible
- Abrams warns the U.S. cannot 'run' Venezuela from Washington and that a popular, elected government is necessary.
- He argues rehabilitation with international support is possible but direct U.S. governance is implausible.