The Playbook Podcast Trump’s vexing Venezuela position
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Dec 1, 2025 The podcast dives into the Trump administration's controversial actions regarding Venezuela, including military strikes and the potential for war crimes. Bipartisan concerns in Congress about these tactics are explored, alongside Trump's unexpected pardon of a Honduran drug trafficker, which raises eyebrows about his anti-drug stance. The hosts also discuss military buildups, the precarious situation of Pentagon leadership, and a new immigration crackdown. Finally, they touch on geopolitical dynamics, including the ongoing Ukraine conflict and insights on a pivotal Tennessee special election.
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Hosts' Festive Home Decorations
- Dasha describes turning her home into a winter wonderland and gifting Hanukkah gnomes to her husband.
- The light personal moment opens the episode before serious foreign policy discussion begins.
Controversial Lethal Boat Strikes Spark Oversight
- The Washington Post reported that Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered lethal strikes on Caribbean boats, raising legal and congressional scrutiny.
- Jack Blanchard highlights this could be a war-crimes-level controversy and prompt oversight from powerful committees.
Trump's Unusual Distance From The Story
- Donald Trump distanced himself from initial reporting and said he needed to find out what happened before taking a stance.
- Jack sees this atypical hesitancy as possibly shielding the president from direct association with the strikes.