The Al Franken Podcast David Frum on Trump’s Venezuela Venture
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Jan 11, 2026 
David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and host of The David Frum Show, offers keen insights on Trump’s controversial actions in Venezuela. He breaks down how the administration's approach resembles old-fashioned imperialism centered on oil profits, raising questions about constitutional spending powers. The duo also explores the implications of proposed plans to seize Greenland and critiques the lack of coherent strategy in U.S. foreign policy. Frum highlights the chaotic aftermath and the unlikely prospects for Venezuela's future, painting a sobering picture.
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ICE Agents Confronted A Citizen Without Authority
- David Frum notes ICE agents had no authority to arrest Renee Good yet approached her vehicle aggressively.
- He interprets the encounter as a lesson-taught by ICE leading to a violent outcome and her death.
Economic Failure Erodes Political Support
- Public frustration with economic performance is deflating Trump’s support more than political scandals.
- Rising prices and stalled job creation are visibly reducing his backing among swing voters.
Reserves Don’t Equal Recoverable Oil
- Venezuelan oil reserves on paper mean little without functioning infrastructure and long-term investment.
- Heavy crude requires massive electricity, steam injection, and stable rule-of-law to make extraction commercially viable.