The Story Is Trump's attack on Venezuela about drugs, politics or oil?
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Jan 5, 2026 Louise Callaghan, Senior US correspondent for The Sunday Times, delves deep into the unprecedented US operation in Venezuela. She discusses the anticipation of action, highlighting the scale of Maduro's capture and potential insider help. Louise critiques the administration's drug narrative and examines the legality of US strikes. She reveals insights on oil motivations driving Trump's decisions and traces the impact on Venezuelan opposition. The tension between Trump’s interventionism and his base’s 'America First' stance adds another layer of intrigue.
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Maduro's Regime Still Intact
- Maduro was Hugo Chávez's chosen successor and has ruled as a de facto dictator after seizing power following the 2024 election he lost.
- The regime's structures remain intact and Delcy Rodríguez now governs under heavy US pressure.
Drug Threat Was Politically Recast
- Trump reframed Venezuela as a narco-terrorist threat, overstating Maduro's role to justify action in drug and immigration terms.
- Experts say Maduro's involvement in trafficking exists but he is not the head of a massive cartel sending drugs en masse to the US.
Maritime Pressure And Legal Concerns
- The US built a maritime pressure campaign including strikes and a partial oil blockade to squeeze Venezuela ahead of the operation.
- Allies like the UK warned such actions risked breaching international law and suspended intelligence sharing.