The Last Word with Matt Cooper Nicolás Maduro Pleads Not Guilty To Drugs And Weapons Charges
Jan 5, 2026
In this discussion, political commentator Cal Thomas analyzes Nicolás Maduro's not guilty plea to severe drug and weapons charges, breaking down the U.S. indictment's implications. Marion McKeown raises concerns about international law and the risks of U.S. intervention in Venezuela, cautioning against the precedent it sets. The guests debate the motivations behind U.S. action and the potential geopolitical consequences for the region. They also question the legitimacy of treating Maduro like a common criminal, while touching on broader issues of U.S. foreign policy.
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Maduro Framed As Long-Term Drug Threat
- The U.S. indictment frames Maduro's rule as a long-term state-sponsored drug operation harming America.
- Cal Thomas argues the drug flow was as deadly as a conventional military attack on the U.S.
Pardon And Capture Create Contradictory Narrative
- Debate surrounds Trump's pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández and the apparent inconsistency with action against Maduro.
- Marion McKeown and Matt Cooper highlight conflicting narratives from Trump and Marco Rubio about the pardon and operation.
Operation's Legal Justification Is Murky
- Marion McKeown warns the legal and international basis for seizing Maduro is murky and possibly illegal.
- She argues the U.S. portrays the act both as a military operation and as a normal criminal arrest, creating legal confusion.