Today in Focus On the ground in Venezuela after Trump’s ‘operation’
31 snips
Jan 8, 2026 
Anna, a Venezuelan journalist based in Caracas, shares her insights on life amid political upheaval, discussing a mix of celebration and fear as Maduro is removed. Tom Phillips, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, analyzes the regional implications and security dynamics at the Colombia-Venezuela border. They explore the complex emotions surrounding foreign intervention, potential oil industry control, and the precarious balance of power in Venezuela. Both highlight the humanitarian crisis and urge for global solidarity against erosion of democracy.
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Repression Has Silenced Public Dissent
- Repression since the 2024 election has made Venezuelans afraid to protest or post on social media.
- Widespread fear limits open celebration and shapes cautious behaviour despite regime change.
Conflicted Feelings About External Intervention
- Venezuelans hold conflicted views about Trump: they can oppose him yet still welcome Maduro's removal.
- Many see Delcy Rodriguez as continuity of the same repressive institution rather than a break.
Oil Claims Feel Like Continued Exploitation
- Oil wealth has long bypassed ordinary Venezuelans via foreign deals and political distribution.
- Trump seeking Venezuelan oil looks like another foreign shift of control rather than a solution for the population.