The Rest Is Politics: US 138. Has Trump’s War on Venezuela Already Begun?
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Dec 15, 2025 
Michael Steele, the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and Republican National Committee chair, dives deep into Trump’s potential maneuvers in Venezuela. He questions the implications of the recent tanker seizure and discusses the legal intricacies surrounding maritime interdiction. Steele also highlights the risks of U.S. intervention and the questionable motives behind regime change. Furthermore, he reflects on how Trump's approach has disrupted traditional GOP foreign policy and the challenges ahead for non-MAGA candidates.
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War Powers Require Oversight, Not Free Rein
- The War Powers framework gives presidents broad latitude but requires congressional oversight and reporting.
- Steele argues the boat strikes deviated from normal Coast Guard arrest-and-prosecute procedures and raise legal questions.
No Clear Endgame For Venezuela Operations
- Steele says the administration lacks a clear, stated endgame for regime change in Venezuela.
- He highlights mismatches between claimed goals (drugs, stability) and the actions being taken.
Talks Of Safe Passage And Political Replacement
- Biden-era and current officials discuss safe passage deals for Maduro but White House reportedly rejected partial handovers.
- Katty Kay notes regime-change aims may be tied to installing opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado.