The Playbook Podcast Decoding the ‘Donroe Doctrine’
Jan 5, 2026
The discussion heats up with President Trump's bold military operation against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. They explore Trump's shift from domestic issues to aggressive foreign interventions. The duo delves into the implications of U.S. control, threats to various countries, and the strategic focus on Venezuelan oil. Marco Rubio's influence on Trump's decisions and the potential political fallout are scrutinized. Warnings of historical parallels to past conflicts add to the tension as they unpack the broader impact on U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere.
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Maduro Rendered To U.S. Courts
- The U.S. captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife and will present them in a Manhattan courthouse at noon today.
- The operation transformed Maduro from a sitting leader to a defendant within days, surprising many observers.
Unconventional Presidential Theater
- The raid was executed from Mar-a-Lago-era settings with Trump briefing reporters on Air Force One.
- The spectacle and setting broke with usual presidential practice, amplifying the political drama.
Trump's 'We're In Charge' Message
- Trump publicly asserted the U.S. is "in charge" of Venezuela and could run it until elections.
- That stance conflicts with the administration's more cautious framing and alarms conservatives about de facto regime change.