Up First from NPR Next Steps In Venezuela, GOP 2026 Roadmap, Greenland and Europe
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Jan 7, 2026 
Franco Ordoñez, NPR's White House correspondent, discusses U.S. strategies for Venezuela amidst a backdrop of Maduro-era officials. He highlights Trump's call for U.S. companies to aid in rebuilding Venezuela's oil sector. Domenico Montanaro, NPR's political editor, analyzes the GOP's struggles as Trump focuses on culture-war issues over pressing economic concerns ahead of the 2026 midterms. Eleanor Beardsley reports on European leaders united against Trump's claims on Greenland, stressing the need for local autonomy amid growing security talks regarding Ukraine.
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Unclear U.S. Plan For Venezuela
- The Trump administration lacks a clear, detailed plan for governing post-Maduro Venezuela.
- U.S. officials are improvising while Maduro-era ministers remain powerful and resistant, per Franco Ordoñez.
Oil Is Central But Legal Questions Persist
- Trump emphasized Venezuelan oil as central to U.S. plans and announced 30–50 million barrels would be turned over to the U.S.
- The legality and circumstances of that transfer remain unclear and experts warn rebuilding oil infrastructure will take years.
Culture Wars Over Economics
- Republicans face historic midterm headwinds tied to low presidential approval and cost-of-living concerns.
- Trump leans into culture-war themes rather than addressing voters' economic worries, per Domenico Montanaro.