The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Julia Ioffe (Extended) | MadurOh-No!
Jan 6, 2026
Julia Ioffe, a Washington correspondent renowned for her expertise on U.S.-Russia relations, delves into the complexities surrounding Nicolás Maduro's Venezuela. She discusses Trump's aggressive stance and how Russia might respond to U.S. actions. The episode highlights motivations behind the U.S. interest in Venezuela's oil and the implications of military threats. Julia also reflects on her family history, particularly her grandmother's resilience in the Soviet era, and shares insights from her book, 'Motherland,' exploring the legacy of Soviet policies on women.
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Shock Capture Of Venezuela's Leader
- The Trump administration executed a surprise capture of Venezuela's president, Nicolas Maduro, in an overnight strike.
- Stephen Colbert frames the action as abrupt and legally questionable, noting the operation's scale and timing.
New Leader, U.S. Leverage Over Venezuela
- Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's vice president, is now running Venezuela but likely under U.S. pressure.
- Julia Ioffe suggests U.S. aims focus on reasserting control over Venezuela's oil resources.
Oil As Central Motive
- The administration consulted oil companies before the strike and publicly linked the action to oil interests.
- Colbert and Ioffe emphasize Venezuela's massive reserves as a clear motive behind U.S. actions.
