Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — December 22
11 snips
Dec 22, 2025 The U.S. Coast Guard is ramping up its actions against Venezuelan oil tankers amid political tensions. There’s growing frustration over how the Justice Department is handling the Epstein files, with calls for more transparency. A bipartisan discussion emerges on making North Carolina the first state in the presidential primaries, emphasizing its strategic importance. Meanwhile, congresspeople share their concerns about leadership frustrations and the impact of deportation for migrants under TPS.
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Mission Creep In Venezuela Operations
- The Trump administration shifted from strikes on small drug boats to seizing sanctioned oil tankers, escalating pressure on Venezuela.
- White House officials offered little public explanation, creating strategic ambiguity about an endgame that may imply regime change.
Legal Limits On Sea Interdictions
- The Coast Guard can interdict vessels under U.S. law, but maritime and international law could challenge those seizures.
Paths To Force Epstein File Compliance
- Congress can pressure the DOJ via resolutions or inherent contempt when statutory releases stall, but enforcement faces practical limits.
- Seek judicial review or criminal contempt as realistic remedies since DOJ ultimately controls prosecutions.