On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti Venezuela's leader is out. Now what?
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Jan 7, 2026 
Freddy Guevara, a co-founder of the Popular Will party and former political prisoner, shares insights on Venezuela's democratic transition following Maduro's removal. He emphasizes the urgent need to release political prisoners and critiques the Rodriguez siblings' potential leadership. Todd Robinson, a former U.S. diplomat, highlights the administration's mixed messages and lack of a clear plan for restoring democracy. U.S. Representative Jake Auchincloss raises concerns about military action and advocates for aligning U.S. interests with Venezuelan democracy.
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U.S. Claims Control Over Venezuela
- The Trump administration publicly declared "we're going to run the country" of Venezuela after Maduro's capture.
- Officials framed control in terms of military presence, oil embargoes, and setting terms for commerce.
Control Framed As De Facto Power
- Stephen Miller argued U.S. control is de facto because of U.S. military positioning and economic embargoes.
- He said Venezuela needs U.S. permission to run commerce and set the terms and conditions externally.
Venezuelans See U.S. Action As Rescue
- Freddy Guevara said Venezuelans view U.S. action as a rescue because other international bodies repeatedly failed them.
- He compared Venezuelans to hostages in a bank who need the SWAT team to act despite discomfort with external intervention.