The Rest Is Politics: US 138. Has Trump’s War on Venezuela Already Begun?
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Dec 15, 2025 
Michael Steele, the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and Republican National Committee chair, dives deep into Trump’s potential maneuvers in Venezuela. He questions the implications of the recent tanker seizure and discusses the legal intricacies surrounding maritime interdiction. Steele also highlights the risks of U.S. intervention and the questionable motives behind regime change. Furthermore, he reflects on how Trump's approach has disrupted traditional GOP foreign policy and the challenges ahead for non-MAGA candidates.
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Sea Interdictions Are Normal — Geopolitics Aren't
- U.S. interdiction of vessels is a routine Coast Guard function, not inherently extraordinary.
- Michael Steele warns Venezuela's ties to Russia could escalate regional actions into wider global tensions.
War Powers Require Oversight, Not Free Rein
- The War Powers framework gives presidents broad latitude but requires congressional oversight and reporting.
- Steele argues the boat strikes deviated from normal Coast Guard arrest-and-prosecute procedures and raise legal questions.
No Clear Endgame For Venezuela Operations
- Steele says the administration lacks a clear, stated endgame for regime change in Venezuela.
- He highlights mismatches between claimed goals (drugs, stability) and the actions being taken.