The David Frum Show Trump Has No Plan for Venezuela
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Jan 7, 2026 The discussion dives deep into the flawed U.S. approach to Venezuela, with critiques of Trump's worldview on oil and exploitation. David Rothkopf highlights the alarming dysfunction of the National Security Council under Trump, raising concerns about unclear military objectives. They explore the potential legal pitfalls of arresting Maduro and the hesitance of oil firms to engage in reconstruction efforts. The conversation also touches on regional political fallout and the broader implications of sidelining expert advice in national security.
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Predatory View Of Wealth Will Fail
- Donald Trump views national wealth as something to be seized rather than produced through markets and investment.
- David Frum argues this predatory worldview is factually wrong and will make Venezuela ambitions fail.
Oil Is Infrastructure And Institutions
- Venezuela's oil sector is in terrible shape and requires massive investment beyond drilling.
- Frum warns that restoring production needs infrastructure, institutions, and legal stability before oil yields returns.
NSC Crushes Complexity Into Chaos
- The National Security Council's two jobs are policy development and overseeing implementation.
- Under Trump the NSC has shrunk and lacks active leadership, reducing coordinated policy-making.
