Democracy Now! Audio Special Report on Venezuela: U.S. Kidnaps Maduro, Trump Says "We Are Going to Run" Oil-Rich Nation
Jan 3, 2026
Andreína Chávez, a Venezuelan reporter on the ground in Caracas, shares firsthand accounts of the chaos following the U.S. seizure of President Nicolás Maduro. Historian Miguel Tinker Salas provides deep insights into the historical implications of U.S. military actions in Venezuela. They discuss how claims of drug trafficking mask a focus on controlling Venezuela's vast oil resources. The geopolitical ramifications are explored, including regional reactions and the call for resistance from Venezuelan leaders. Tensions rise as the prospect of a long conflict looms.
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U.S. Claims Control After Large-Scale Operation
- The U.S. launched a large-scale operation and claims it will run Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition.”
- International leaders and governments immediately condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty and international law.
Claims Of Negotiation Versus On-Ground Reality
- Trump framed the operation as both law enforcement and regime-change, claiming conversations with Venezuelan officials.
- Venezuelan voices on the ground call these claims psychological operations to weaken resistance.
Morning Of Explosions Near Miraflores
- Andreína Chávez describes waking to explosions at 2 a.m. and hearing aircraft while near Miraflores.
- She reports at least seven points in Caracas and multiple states were attacked, including civilian sites.