Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar 1/3/26: BREAKING: Trump Says US Will Run Venezuela, Boots On The Ground
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Jan 3, 2026 
José Luis Granados Ceja, the head of the Drop Site News Latin America desk, joins Krystal to dissect Trump's bold claims about the U.S. running Venezuela after the alleged kidnapping of Maduro. They discuss the logistical challenges of a military occupation, the strategic interests of U.S. companies in Venezuelan oil, and the implications for regional stability. José warns of the human costs involved and critiques the focus on foreign interventions over domestic priorities, emphasizing the need for cautious engagement in Latin America.
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U.S. Will 'Run' Venezuela, Possibly Occupy
- Krystal Ball highlights Trump's announcement that the U.S. will "run Venezuela" until a transition occurs.
- She underscores the possibility of boots on the ground and a prolonged occupation driven by regime-change aims.
Oil Cited As Central Motive
- Trump openly framed U.S. oil companies as set to rebuild and profit from Venezuela's oil infrastructure.
- Krystal Ball and José Luis warn this signals resource seizure as a core motive for the operation.
Occupation Would Be Costly And Prolonged
- José Luis Granados Ceja warns occupying Venezuela would demand massive U.S. troop commitments and face fierce resistance.
- He compares potential fighting to a new Vietnam and predicts prolonged instability and guerrilla resistance.