PoliticsJOE Podcast Trump has turned America into a mafia state | Scott Lucas interview
Jan 11, 2026
Scott Lucas, a Professor at the Clinton Institute and founder of EA-WorldView, dives into the shocking US abduction of Nicolás Maduro. He argues this move shatters international law and signals a new global order under Trump. Lucas critiques the rejection of traditional alliances and explores how this sets a dangerous precedent for other nations like China and Russia. He highlights the risks of escalating conflicts in Venezuela and neighboring regions, and characterizes the Trump approach as a protection racket, blending economic favors with intimidation.
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Waking To An Unprecedented Kidnapping
- Scott Lucas describes waking up to news that U.S. special forces had kidnapped Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
- He calls the abduction unprecedented in the post-1945 era and says it shattered international law and the international system.
Trump Camp Rejects Multilateral Constraints
- Lucas argues the Trump inner circle rejects alliances, multilateralism and regional organizations in favor of 19th-century-style domination.
- He warns this breaks norms: the U.S. now claims it can act outside international rules, undermining the post‑1945 order.
Plan The Post‑Removal Strategy
- Plan for contingencies beyond removing a leader; regime change needs coherent post‑removal strategy.
- Consider scenarios like regime coercion, military coups, civil conflict, or escalations into neighboring states.