Impolitic with John Heilemann Barry McCaffrey: Trump’s War Aims in Venezuela = Maduro Out & Chevron In
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Dec 12, 2025 Retired four-star U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey discusses the escalating conflict between America and Venezuela. He critiques Trump’s regime change rhetoric, suggesting the real motive is seizing Venezuelan oil reserves. McCaffrey warns against potential military interventions, labeling ground wars as disastrous. He also critiques the administration's framing of drug cartels and the implications of labeling groups as terrorists, emphasizing the long-term damage to U.S. alliances and the need for a more coherent national security strategy.
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Oil Over Drug Policy
- Gen. Barry McCaffrey argues Trump's Venezuela actions look less like drug policy and more like an effort to seize oil and favor U.S. oil companies.
- He warns the president is acting unilaterally without Congress, risking illegal use of force and regime-change aims.
From Coast Guard To Carrier Strike
- McCaffrey says the campaign escalated from law enforcement to full military posturing with carrier strike groups and special operations.
- He calls the approach incoherent and likely to convince Venezuelans the U.S. seeks their oil, not to stop drugs.
Tactics Misaligned With Mission
- The tanker seizure and assault video looked like a military raid, not typical Coast Guard law enforcement.
- McCaffrey cautions such forces are poorly matched to drug interdiction and unsustainable logistically.