Today in Focus Does Trump run Venezuela now?
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Jan 5, 2026 
Julian Borja, Senior International Correspondent for The Guardian, dives into the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro and its implications. He recounts the shocking nighttime operation that led to Maduro's arrest. The discussion includes an analysis of U.S. legal standing, comparisons to past operations, and the motivations behind Trump's actions related to Venezuela's oil. Borja also explores the political dynamics under acting president Delcy Rodríguez and warns about the broader repercussions for international law and U.S. hegemony in the region.
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Action Likely Breaches UN Charter
- International legal experts say the US action likely violates the UN Charter because it doesn't meet the self-defence threshold.
- Under the UN Charter, Julian Borja says this looks like a war of aggression rather than lawful intervention.
Drug Charges Face Credibility Questions
- The US charges against Maduro focus on drug trafficking and broad weapons-related counts that could apply to governments generally.
- Julian Borja notes the alleged 'Cartel of the Sons' and Maduro-as-kingpin narrative face skepticism.
Trump Frames Intervention Around Oil
- Julian Borja says Donald Trump openly framed the operation around seizing Venezuelan oil and running the country during a transition.
- He describes Trump's language as revealing economic motives linked to US oil interests.