Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — January 6
Jan 6, 2026
U.S. Representative Pete Aguilar, chair of the House Democratic Caucus, dives into the significant U.S. intervention in Venezuela, discussing its implications for regional stability and migration. He highlights the lack of a cohesive strategy from the administration regarding Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Aguilar also addresses ongoing health care debates, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation, especially with upcoming midterms on the horizon, and critiques the White House's narrative on the January 6th insurrection, condemning the aftermath of pardons.
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Administration Frames Venezuela As Law Enforcement
- The Trump administration frames the Venezuela operation as law enforcement, not a military action, while touting military prowess.
- That distinction raises legal and congressional-oversight questions about use of force and goals in the region.
Operation Signals Wider Regional Ambitions
- The White House openly discussed broader ambitions beyond Venezuela, naming Greenland and other countries as potential targets.
- European leaders swiftly warned such moves would violate alliances and could threaten NATO cohesion.
Intelligence Shaped Post-Capture Messaging
- CIA assessments influenced U.S. praise for Delcy Rodríguez by forecasting who could hold power post-Maduro.
- That intelligence shaped U.S. public messaging despite concerns about regime continuity.