VINCE Maduro F'ed Around and Found Out | Episode 196
Jan 5, 2026
Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow and expert on Latin America, dives deep into the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. He shares insights on the military operation involving U.S. forces and the Cuban connections that protected Maduro. The conversation also explores the broader implications for U.S. drug policy and Venezuela's collapsed economy, including the mismanagement of PDVSA. Gonzalez highlights the significance of domestic support networks for Maduro and draws parallels with past regime changes, emphasizing the U.S. interests at play.
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Rapid Maduro Capture Operation
- Vince recounts how U.S. forces executed a rapid operation to seize Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas and evacuate them to the USS Iwo Jima.
- He emphasizes the speed, coordination, and involvement of FBI, Delta Force, CIA, and U.S. military airstrikes.
Oil Expropriation Fueled The Narco-State
- Vince traces Venezuela's collapse to Chávez/Maduro expropriating U.S.-built oil infrastructure and turning the state into a narco-regime.
- He links state-run oil theft and drug trafficking to Venezuelan elite enrichment and global harm.
Diaspora Celebrations Reveal Popular Joy
- Vince highlights spontaneous celebrations by Venezuelan diaspora worldwide as evidence many Venezuelans welcome Maduro's removal.
- He contrasts these grassroots festivities with staged pro-Maduro rallies.
