Radio Atlantic Is the U.S. Running Venezuela or Not?
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Jan 5, 2026 
In a compelling discussion, Michael Scherer, a political reporter at The Atlantic, and Vivian Salama, a foreign policy journalist specializing in Latin America, dissect the recent U.S. raid on Venezuela. They analyze President Trump's shifting rhetoric and what it really means for U.S. involvement. Salama highlights the ambiguous role of Delcy Rodríguez and the challenges of a post-Maduro Venezuela, including the tangled web of political opposition and economic crises. Scherer connects this to Trump's broader strategy for hemispheric control and influence.
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Who The U.S. Left Off The Indictment
- Delcy Rodríguez was omitted from the DOJ indictment, suggesting possible U.S. outreach or leverage.
- Vivian Salama noted the omission could mean she is seen as the most malleable post-Maduro actor.
Victory Lap Vs. Fragile Reality
- U.S. officials declared victory too quickly after the raid, ignoring messy downstream scenarios.
- Michael Scherer warned that split militaries, armed groups, or failed nation-building remain real risks.
Watch Leadership And Public Signals
- Watch who actually governs Venezuela and whether a named plan emerges from the U.S. administration.
- Track Delcy Rodríguez's actions and shifts in U.S. statements to infer real policy direction.