In The News Trump says 'we run Venezuela'. Is that true?
Jan 6, 2026
Tom Hennigan, a South America reporter for The Irish Times, discusses the recent court appearance of Nicolás Maduro on drug and weapons charges. He clarifies the implications of Trump's claim that the US 'runs Venezuela', emphasizing the lack of direct US control. Hennigan highlights mixed public reactions in Venezuela, the strategic moves by Delcy Rodríguez, and the renewed fears in the region about US influence. He also points to future signs to watch, such as potential agreements with Washington and how the opposition may react.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Maduro's Capture Yet Government Intact
- Maduro and his wife were captured by U.S. forces and charged with narco-terrorism in New York.
- Tom Hennigan says their removal hasn’t produced US administrators on the ground or a changed government in Caracas yet.
Running Venezuela Is Largely Rhetoric
- Donald Trump declared "we're going to run the country" until a transition, but Tom Hennigan says that's not literal control.
- The U.S. maintains a naval armada nearby and the option of further military action as leverage.
Leverage Over Direct Rule
- There are no US troops or administrators in Caracas and Maduro's lieutenants still run day-to-day affairs.
- U.S. leverage is naval presence and threat of further action rather than direct governance.