Regime Change Isn’t a Dirty Word, a Meeting with Machado & the Soldiers Who Changed a Hemisphere Week In Review
whatshot 18 snips
Jan 17, 2026
Explore the nuances of regime change as a strategic response to tyranny, emphasizing non-military options. Reflect on Reagan's approach—using rhetoric to inspire resistance without ground wars. Hear about the dire situation in Iran, the need for U.S. support for dissidents, and the potential for regime shifts in Venezuela and Cuba. Plus, a firsthand account of a daring raid on Maduro and a touching visit with wounded soldiers showcases the human cost of these conflicts.
29:16
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Regime Change Can Be Non-Military
Regime change is not inherently bad; the term became toxic because people equate it with large-scale invasions.
Ted Cruz argues we can pursue regime change without boots on the ground using pressure, rhetoric, and support.
insights INSIGHT
Power Of Rhetoric In Foreign Policy
Ronald Reagan's approach shows strength and moral clarity can catalyze collapse without large invasions.
Cruz credits rhetoric like 'evil empire' and 'tear down this wall' with inspiring dissidents and weakening regimes.
insights INSIGHT
Iran Poses Active Threats
Iran is different because its regime actively funds terrorism and threatens Americans.
Cruz says few outcomes could be worse than leaving the Ayatollahs in power and supports vocal U.S. encouragement of dissidents.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground”
Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).
Strongly distinguishes between:
Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)
Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.
Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.
2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War
Ronald Reagan is a model:
“Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.
Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse.
The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.
3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States
Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:
Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans
Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable
Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.
Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.
4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado
A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.
Highlights her strategic emphasis on:
U.S. unity
Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump
She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest.
Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.
5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements
Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:
Iran
Venezuela
Cuba
These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.
Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.
6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)
A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro:
Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces
Operation allegedly resulted in:
No American fatalities
Multiple enemy combatant deaths
The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.
Emphasizing:
Their bravery
Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere”
Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
Verdict with Ted Cruz