Radio Atlantic Is the U.S. Running Venezuela or Not?
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Jan 5, 2026 In a compelling discussion, Michael Scherer, a political reporter at The Atlantic, and Vivian Salama, a foreign policy journalist specializing in Latin America, dissect the recent U.S. raid on Venezuela. They analyze President Trump's shifting rhetoric and what it really means for U.S. involvement. Salama highlights the ambiguous role of Delcy Rodríguez and the challenges of a post-Maduro Venezuela, including the tangled web of political opposition and economic crises. Scherer connects this to Trump's broader strategy for hemispheric control and influence.
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Capture And Unclear Outcomes
- The U.S. raid captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, fulfilling a DOJ criminal aim.
- But the aftermath is chaotic and the ultimate political outcome remains unresolved.
Mixed Messages About Delcy Rodríguez
- President Trump publicly alternated between claiming cooperation from Delcy Rodríguez and threatening her if she didn't comply.
- That contradiction signaled an unresolved, volatile U.S. posture toward Venezuela's interim leadership.
Who The U.S. Left Off The Indictment
- Delcy Rodríguez was omitted from the DOJ indictment, suggesting possible U.S. outreach or leverage.
- Vivian Salama noted the omission could mean she is seen as the most malleable post-Maduro actor.