Scott Horton Show - Just the Interviews 1/9/26 Chris Brunet on the People Getting Rich Off of Trump’s Intervention in Venezuela
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Jan 13, 2026 Chris Brunet, an investigative journalist with an economics background, dives into the web of corruption surrounding U.S. interventions in Venezuela. He highlights how Paul Singer, labeled a 'vulture' investor, profits from geopolitical turmoil through sovereign debt litigation. Brunet discusses the implications of Citgo's seizure, the perplexing logistics of using Venezuelan oil, and the broader fight for energy security against China. With insights on media manipulation and the risks of interventionist policies, this conversation sheds light on the complexities of modern geopolitics.
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From Economist To Investigative Writer
- Chris Brunet describes his path from Canadian economist to conservative media and investigative writer.
- He recounts conflicts at the Manhattan Institute over Israel and academic-plagiarism investigations.
Vulture Litigation As A Business Model
- Paul Singer pioneered aggressive sovereign-debt litigation that turned rare defaults into frequent court battles.
- His vulture-fund tactics extract huge payouts from bankrupt nations while causing social harm.
Asbestos Case Shows Profiting From Harm
- Chris Brunet recounts Paul Singer's Owens Corning campaign that profited as workers died of asbestos illnesses.
- Singer funded research downplaying asbestos and lobbied Congress to weaken the company's obligations.
