The David Frum Show America on the Brink of War With Venezuela
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Nov 5, 2025 Quico Toro, founder of Caracas Chronicles and a keen analyst of Venezuelan politics, dives into the escalating U.S.-Venezuela tensions. He discusses the U.S. naval buildup and the complexity of Maduro's regime, emphasizing that Venezuela is more of a trafficking route than a drug producer. Toro explores the implications of potential U.S. airstrikes, the factors keeping Maduro in power, and the historical shifts in Venezuela's democracy. The conversation ultimately reflects on paths to achieving Venezuelan relief without military intervention.
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Risk Of A Presidential Constitutional Coup
- Donald Trump is claiming emergency tariff and fiscal powers that could let the president tax, spend, and veto Congress unilaterally.
- David Frum warns a Supreme Court ruling for such broad power would amount to a constitutional coup stripping Article I authority.
Unprecedented Caribbean Buildup Raises Stakes
- The U.S. Caribbean naval buildup is unprecedented since the Cuban Missile Crisis and creates real risk of conflict with Venezuela.
- Quico Toro notes the deployment feels different because propaganda about U.S. attack has long been used but this time may be real.
Confused U.S. Strategy And Limits Of Airpower
- U.S. policy toward Venezuela lacks internal consensus and mixes goals: regime change, dealmaking, and anti-narcotics.
- Toro argues no regime has been dislodged by airpower alone, making an air-only plan unlikely to succeed.
