The Brian Lehrer Show Monday Morning Politics: The Latest on Venezuela and the Trump 'Doctrine'
Jan 12, 2026
Katie Rogers, White House correspondent for The New York Times, dives into her revealing interview with Trump about Venezuela and Cuba. She discusses how his remarks may normalize extreme ideas and explores the shrinking advisory circle affecting checks on presidential power. Katie analyzes Trump’s cryptic stance on foreign policy and the strategic motives behind U.S. interests in places like Greenland. Additionally, she reflects on Trump's cognitive performance during the interview, sparking debates on media coverage of his provocative comments.
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Trump Craves Elite Validation
- Trump seeks validation from elite outlets like The New York Times even while criticizing them.
- Katie Rogers says he both wants to be understood and craves positive hometown coverage from the Times.
Ask Simple Direct Questions
- Journalists should ask simple, direct questions to elicit meaningful answers from Trump.
- Rogers says careful preparation and follow-ups produced more revealing responses in the two-hour sit-down.
Trump As Arbiter Of International Law
- Trump frames himself as the arbiter of international law and reserves the right to use force.
- Rogers finds this reveals a presidency with fewer internal checks and more concentrated decision-making.
