Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan Venezuela has “emboldened” Trump. Here’s what it means for the world
Jan 7, 2026
Denis Staunton, a China correspondent and author of the Global Briefing newsletter for the Irish Times, explores the geopolitical fallout from the recent U.S. airstrikes in Venezuela. He discusses how these events have emboldened Trump, particularly his aggressive rhetoric regarding Greenland. They delve into the implications for U.S. foreign policy, comparing historical interventions and evaluating the risk of U.S. becoming a rogue actor. Staunton also highlights China's role in Latin America and the delicate balance of international relations amid these tensions.
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Spectacular Arrest, Limited Occupation
- The U.S. used a special forces operation to remove Nicolás Maduro and assert influence without full-scale occupation.
- Denis Staunton says the action surprised the world and aimed to pressure the regime into complying with U.S. interests.
Regime Intact Despite Leadership Change
- The Maduro regime appears to remain intact with the vice-president now acting as president.
- Staunton warns the U.S. lacks the ground presence to fully control Venezuela long-term.
Realpolitik Over Democracy
- Trump's justification for intervention dropped democratic rhetoric and foregrounded U.S. access to resources and regional dominance.
- Staunton links this to the National Security Strategy's emphasis on Western Hemisphere primacy.
