Trump Issues Warning to Venezuela's Maduro, Renews Call for Greenland Takeover

7 snips

Dec 23, 2025

President Trump issues a stark warning to Venezuela's Maduro, signaling a tough stance amid escalated U.S. blockade efforts. He also comments on the controversial release of Epstein files, expressing concern for Bill Clinton's image. Meanwhile, Trump revives interest in acquiring Greenland and appoints a special envoy to handle the initiative. The podcast dives deep into these political maneuvers and their implications as Trump navigates increasing challenges within his administration.

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INSIGHT

Escalated Pressure On Venezuela

President Trump escalated pressure on Venezuela by blocking and seizing oil tankers and saying "he's going to keep the oil."
Administration rhetoric mixed tough threats with ambiguity about explicit regime-change intentions.

INSIGHT

Epstein Files Fuel Political Headwinds

The Epstein file releases stirred political trouble by linking prominent figures, including Bill Clinton, to Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump voiced sympathy for Clinton while sidestepping the DOJ's incomplete disclosure issue.

INSIGHT

Greenland Framed As Security Priority

Trump reaffirmed intent to pursue U.S. control over Greenland, framing it as a national security necessity.
He denied resource motives and blamed Denmark for inadequate defense spending.

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On today's podcast:

1) President Trump warned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro not to challenge the US, and vowed to keep oil seized from a supertanker but declined to say if he’s seeking to oust the Venezuelan leader. “He can do whatever he wants to do, whatever he wants to do, if he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough,” Trump told reporters at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday evening. Asked if he would try to push Maduro out, he responded, “That’s up to him.” Trump spoke after the US stepped up its blockade of tankers going to and from Venezuela over the weekend, boarding a non-sanctioned ship owned by a Hong Kong-based entity on Saturday and pursuing a third oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. Another very large crude carrier, the Skipper, was intercepted on Dec. 10.

2) During Monday's press conference, Trump also said he believed “people are very angry that pictures are being released” that connect them to notorious sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, days after the Justice Department released a new tranche of files tied to the late financier. Trump said he hated to see former President Bill Clinton, who appeared frequently in the release, being tarnished by the association, describing the situation as “terrible.” The Epstein files, and the fight over their disclosure, have sparked infighting among Trump’s supporters, adding to the political headwinds that the president is facing heading into next year’s midterm elections.

3) President Trump reiterated his desire for US control over Greenland on Monday, after announcing plans to appoint Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the island. The president said Landry was “a deal-maker-type guy” who could help execute his vision for taking control of the territory. The president also said his desire was not rooted in Greenland’s energy or mineral reserves — saying the US had plenty of resources — but that he did not believe Denmark had devoted enough spending to protect the island.

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