The Debate 'We're in charge': What's Trump's plan for Venezuela?
Jan 5, 2026
Joining the discussion are Daniel Landsberg-Rodriguez, a Venezuelan-American political analyst; Germania Rodriguez-Poleo, a Montreal-based journalist; Guillaume Long, a former Ecuadorian foreign minister; and Justin Vahis, a historian and director at the Paris Peace Forum. They delve into Venezuelans' mixed feelings about Maduro's arrest, U.S. actions perceived as aggressive, and the implications for international law. The panel also explores power dynamics in Venezuela, the potential role of Delcy Rodríguez, and the historical risks of U.S.-led regime changes.
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Symbolic Justice Versus Real Freedom
- Seeing Nicolás Maduro in handcuffs felt like a first glimpse of justice for many Venezuelans after decades of repression.
- Germania Rodriguez-Poleo warned this symbolic victory doesn't equal Venezuelan freedom or end political prisoners' suffering.
'We're In Charge' Lacks Clear Execution
- Trump said "We're in charge" but officials quickly contradicted a U.S. intention to govern Venezuela directly.
- Justin Vahis argued the U.S. likely aims to exert leverage while leaving Venezuela's regime structures intact.
Pragmatist Label Masks Continuity
- Delcy Rodríguez is portrayed as pragmatic but many Venezuelans distrust her and see her as part of the regime's continuity.
- Germania Rodriguez-Poleo cautioned that replacing Maduro without removing entrenched actors won't restore democracy.