The Brian Lehrer Show What Comes Next for the US and Venezuela
Jan 5, 2026
William Neuman, former New York Times bureau chief in Caracas and author of a compelling book on Venezuela's descent, dives into the complex dynamics of U.S. intervention. He discusses how oil and geopolitics have motivated U.S. actions, revealing that the narrative often prioritizes oil over democracy. Neuman examines the implications of potential leaders like Maria Corina Machado and critiques the risks involved in U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also highlights differing viewpoints from Venezuelan-Americans on intervention's impact on human rights.
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Intervention Driven By Oil Interests
- William Neuman says the U.S. intervention in Venezuela is explicitly about controlling oil and its proceeds rather than democracy.
- He notes Trump mentioned "oil" 21 times and never said "democracy" in his capture-of-Maduro remarks.
Venezuela As A Geopolitical Test Case
- Neuman argues the administration views Venezuelan oil as a strategic prize to reassert U.S. control in the Western Hemisphere.
- He frames Venezuela as a test case for a broader doctrine of regional dominance under Trump.
Threat Rhetoric Overstated
- Neuman says claims that allies like Russia, China, or Iran in Venezuela directly threaten U.S. security are exaggerated.
- He calls such assertions a scare tactic used to justify intervention rather than a real security threat.
