1A ICYMI: The New Interim Leader Of Venezuela
Jan 7, 2026
Vera Bergengruen, a National security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the recent upheaval in Venezuela. She discusses Trump's announcement regarding Venezuelan oil and questions the logistics of this transfer. The focus shifts to Delcy Rodríguez, the U.S. choice for Venezuela's leadership, highlighting her public defiance contrasted with private negotiations with U.S. officials. Bergengruen also examines the U.S. demands for Rodríguez to sever ties with adversaries, illustrating a shift in U.S. geopolitical strategy in the region.
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U.S. Seizure Signals Oil-Leverage Strategy
- The U.S. pursued and seized a Russian-flagged tanker as part of a blockade on Venezuelan oil exports.
- The operation signals a U.S. strategy to administer Venezuelan oil wealth and extract maximum leverage from Caracas.
Announcement Lacks Details, Risks Venezuelan Collapse
- President Trump announced Venezuela would send oil to the U.S., but details remain unclear and Caracas hasn't confirmed it.
- Sources warn transferring reserves could bankrupt Venezuela while giving the U.S. control over massive oil assets.
Pragmatism Over Democratic Credibility
- The Trump administration picked Delcy Rodríguez over opposition leaders because she's seen as pragmatic and pliable.
- U.S. intelligence judged opposition leader María Corina Machado lacked military and popular support, shifting U.S. preference toward Rodríguez.