Venezuela - President Nicolas Maduro & his wife "captured and flown out of country" by U.S. Army Delta Force during "large scale attack" - Jan 3, 2026

[Jw192]

I'd venture to suggest that Trump is showing real signs of cognitive decline/dementia. He's almost 80, after all. His first term of office involved a lot of bigly rhetoric but none of it was followed up in any way similar to this.

I agree. He knows that he's got 4 short years in the power seat and, in the words of dear old Alfred - "some men just want to see the world burn"

I believe that Maduro is a rotten power hungry corrupt human who needs to face justice (from Venezuela's people/courts), but I also believe that Trump is a rotten power hungry corrupt human who needs to face justice. He also needs to sort out his own turf before sticking his greedy neb into other people's.

I think we all know that this was not, is not and will never be about drugs. It's ALL about the oil and I hope that nobody even tries to sugarcoat that considering the oval office isn't even trying to hide that fact and has outright declared it.
It's always about oil.

The whole world is an absolute mess and it's going to get much worse.

IMO

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I agree. He knows that he's got 4 short years in the power seat and, in the words of dear old Alfred - "some men just want to see the world burn"

I believe that Maduro is a rotten power hungry corrupt human who needs to face justice (from Venezuela's people/courts), but I also believe that Trump is a rotten power hungry corrupt human who needs to face justice. He also needs to sort out his own turf before sticking his greedy neb into other people's.

I think we all know that this was not, is not and will never be about drugs. It's ALL about the oil and I hope that nobody even tries to sugarcoat that considering the oval office isn't even trying to hide that fact and has outright declared it.
It's always about oil.

The whole world is an absolute mess and it's going to get much worse.

IMO

and its even wayyyy beyond oil. Its about China.

 

[otto]

Moo....I have been browsing the Chinese and Russian news. China does have investments and citizens there....they are not happy. Trump did not attack China..but he sorta did. Russia I am not sure about their involvement in all this....moo

It's all part of the 2025 National Security Strategy, where the US seeks ownership of, and authority over, global natural resources. The US is really slow to realize that China and South America are aligned but, thanks to US ideology from 1823, there is a plan!

Instead of targeting Chinese interests in South America, the US has declared authority over all countries that can be shoved under the umbrella of national security - specifically, the entire Western Hemisphere. That permits the US a non-overt opportunity to interfere with Chinese investments and trade in South America.

~ in my humble opinion ~

 

[MelmothTheLost]

and its even wayyyy beyond oil. Its about China.

From comments I've seen elsewhere, it seems China was going to rely on supplies of oil from Venezuela to support a planned invasion of Taiwan. Venezuela's supplying oil to China was effectively debt repayment.

Without Venezuelan oil, China might well look to Iran instead but the latest uprising in Iran is pretty widespread and might just topple the Mullahs.

 

[NuttMegg]

It looks like the US has been sleeping for the past 20 years, and suddenly woke up to discover that Venezuela, Peru, etc. have developed trade relationships with China and other countries. The last minute scrambled brain-wave is to assert the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, and declare authority over the Western Hemisphere - through various means (e.g.: military war, economic war).

"As we deepen our partnerships with countries with whom America presently has strong relations, we must look to expand our network in the region. We want other nations to see us as their partner of first choice, and we will (through various means) discourage their collaboration with others.
...

Non-Hemispheric competitors have made major inroads into our Hemisphere, both to disadvantage us economically in the present, and in ways that may harm us strategically in the future. Allowing these incursions without serious pushback is another great American strategic mistake of recent decades.
...

The terms of our alliances, and the terms upon which we provide any kind of aid, must be contingent on winding down adversarial outside influence—from control of military installations, ports, and key infrastructure to the purchase of strategic assets broadly defined. Some foreign influence [China] will be hard to reverse, given the political alignments between certain Latin American governments and certain foreign actors.
...

Successfully protecting our Hemisphere also requires closer collaboration between the U.S. Government and the American private sector. All our embassies must be aware of major business opportunities in their country, especially major government contracts. Every U.S. Government official that interacts with these countries should understand that part of their job is to help American companies compete and succeed.

The U.S. Government will identify strategic acquisition and investment opportunities for American companies in the region and present these opportunities for assessment by every U.S. Government financing program, including but not limited to those within the Departments of State, War, and Energy; the Small Business Administration; the International Development Finance Corporation; the Export-Import Bank; and the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf

Recall the recent US decision to recall 30 ambassadors for termination by the end of January 2026. This is aligned with the National Security Strategy to fill those positions with people who are eager to exploit for acquisition and personal profit.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/diplomat-trump-ambassadors-recall-9.7031008

in my humble opinion

From Otto's link:
" We want other nations to see us as their partner of first choice, a (through various means) discourage their collaboration with others."

good luck with that, switching to higher priced US-made products. We completely blew off the small building solar powered roof top hot water heaters. China stepped right in, so for maybe $700 those water heaters are everywhere, and communities readily provide subsidies. Already for 15+ years. Meanwhile in the USA wind and solar projects are funded by one admin, then solar, renewable energy projects are cancelled by Trump. Lest they threaten the oil barons. Meanwhile an entire continent is buying simple solar water heaters made in China.
Apologies for the rant. But who are these idiots who think entire countries will switch over to expensive USA made exports. Just one example.

Another example: Temu and aliexpress. Next time on a visit to Latin America, compare the price of the exact same product sold thru Amazon compared to Temu. Sure, all of Peru will be required to buy from Amazon.

And this is small stuff. Really, I just have to laugh. Even SA Walmarts, although named differently, sell Chinese goods at a fraction charged by the box stores in the USA for similar products.
Imo

 

[Mauig’ma]

Not just someone. Your president. Isn't he supposed to set an example for his citizens? Namecalling is a sport to him.

Like I said it doesn’t make it right for anyone to do the same moo

 

[otto]

There it is ... no longer just my humble opinion. Dutch News has declared that Trump's actions in Venezuela are directly related to the 2025 National Security Strategy.

US aggression in Venezuela is to assert authority in the Western Hemisphere, and to test the response from China, Russia and Iran. I think that means that Greenland, Canada, and many other countries are very interested in the UN meeting tomorrow. That decision will have massive global implications.

"America has remarkable plans for Venezuela. After the imprisonment of Nicolas Maduro, President Trump said the US would take over Venezuela's oil industry and "run" the country for the time being. Equally striking is what Trump didn't say: he didn't even mention the word "democracy." That alone makes this attack on Venezuela different from other US interventions.
...

Trump's words also reflect the new National Security Strategy , which states that democracy is no longer a universal goal or a justification for foreign intervention. The document harks back to the 200-year-old Monroe Doctrine, a declaration in which then-President Monroe stated that the US should be considered the lord and master of the Western Hemisphere. During the press conference, Trump jokingly called his own strategy the "Donroe Doctrine."

Retired Air Force Brigadier General Rob Spalding ... the aim, he said, was to test what Russia, China and Iran, Venezuela's biggest allies, "can do or are willing to do" in response to Maduro's capture. In that sense, Spalding listened carefully to Trump during his press conference when he said that "under our new national security strategy, American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never again be questioned."

Echo's uit Irak en Afghanistan? De interventie in Venezuela wordt anders

De Amerikaanse actie tegen Venezuela past in een lange traditie van inmenging in het buitenland. Maar deze interventie wijkt af van het bekende patroon.

nos.nl

 

[MelmothTheLost]

<modsnip: Quoted post was removed>

Given Trump's age it's no doubt something that those surrounding him will be keeping a watch for. According to UK statistics, 6% of 75-79 year olds have dementia and 11% of those aged 80-84. Given that Trump is Scottish on his maternal side those stats may also be applicable to him. In any event, his behaviour has been noticeably more volatile and uninhibited in his second term.

 

[dexgirl]

Katie Miller (Stephen Millers wife) posted this today on X regarding Greenland.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:gouysuoxatjdb5bjcqe4sfh7/bafkreigktn77dywtpaoz6rdc4mg2ehv56n6u2nab7zzbhfa5wnincau3la@jpeg

 

[otto]

As I posted upthread, I believe that the US tests the water with something that they believe most will overlook, or misunderstand, before going full force to make change. I believe that the aggression in Venezuela is to test the international response. I believe that Cuba, Greenland, Canada are in the warpath of the 2025 US National Security Strategy.

I think the only reasonable response is to return the Venezuelan president to Venezuela; with a caveat that he must resign, and where local government authorities decide how to proceed. I think that Venezuela should decide about government change, and natural resource development. I think that if the US wants to invest in Venezuela, there should be a business plan and proposal that benefits the people of Venezuela.

In my humble opinion, anything less is a green light for the US to invade and pillage globally.

 

[Dotta]

https://twitter.com/x/status/2007857088928641032

 

[otto]

Katie Miller (Stephen Millers wife) posted this today on X regarding Greenland.

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:gouysuoxatjdb5bjcqe4sfh7/bafkreigktn77dywtpaoz6rdc4mg2ehv56n6u2nab7zzbhfa5wnincau3la@jpeg

The Kingdom of Denmark has responded to the disrespectful, ignorant comment from Katie Miller - the right-wing podcaster and wife of US president's deputy chief of staff.

"Katie Miller posted the altered image of the Danish autonomous territory on her X feed late on Saturday, alongside the word "SOON".
...

Responding to the post by Ms Miller, Danish ambassador to the US, Jesper Moeller Soerensen, said: "Just a friendly reminder about the US and the Kingdom of Denmark: We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. Greenland is part of NATO. The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to ensure security in the Arctic."
...

He added: "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark."

Denmark urges 'respect' after Trump aide's wife posts on Greenland

Katie Miller's message showed an altered image of the Danish autonomous territory alongside the word "SOON".

www.bbc.com

 

[MrsWatson]

‘They lied to our face’: Democrats decry Trump’s military raid on Venezuela

Lawmakers call US intervention and capture of Maduro ‘wildly illegal’ and say it lacked congressional approval

www.theguardian.com

 

[otto]

Let's call a spade a spade.

As an extension after kidnapping the Venezuelan president ... an unpleasant US podcaster, seeking a few cheap laughs, threatened the Kingdom of Denmark.

Greenland map clad in U.S. flag shared by Trump aide's wife draws displeasure from Denmark

Katie Miller's X photo showing Greenland clad in the U.S. flag was not well-received by Denmark's ambassador to the U.S.

nationalpost.com

~ in my humble opinion ~​

 

[Jw192]

and its even wayyyy beyond oil. Its about China.

That's true also. One thing the white house loves just as much as oil is getting at China.

I'm not massively into politics so I'm not even going to pretend I know the ins and outs of stuff, but I know one thing for sure - You keep poking at a dog and eventually it will bite. Whether people like it or not, China has it's fingers in many many pies and has big teeth plus a good amount of weight behind it...
It's all such a mess. Watching from over the pond is offit, sure here in England we have our own end of a yucky poo stick being waved in our faces but hey, at least we are able to ring an ambulance without having to remortgage our home
Though, the decision of Trump (and whoever it is who "advises/controls" him) is essentially going to affect the entire world. None of us can escape it.

Can I just also point out - How many outfit changes has that shady swine Maduro had in the past 16 hours?! Nuts.

MOO

 

[sds71]

Jan. 4, 2026, 2:26 p.m. ET

The Federal District Court in Manhattan says in a statement that Nicolás Maduro is scheduled to make his first appearance in court on Monday at noon before Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, is scheduled to appear with her husband.

At least 80 Venezuelans, including civilians and soldiers, were killed in the Caracas raid early Saturday, according to a senior Venezuelan official. No American service members were killed.

Carriers including American, United, Delta and JetBlue say they have added extra flights on top of resuming their scheduled services in the eastern Caribbean after many flights in the region were canceled by the U.S. military action in Venezuela.

American Airlines says it is offering more than two dozen additional flights on Sunday and Monday, including round-trip flights to Antigua, Curacao and Puerto Rico. United Airlines has added at least 14 flights, while Delta Air Lines says it’s adding three additional flights Sunday.

Southwest Airlines announced Saturday that it added more round-trip Puerto Rico flights to its Sunday and Monday schedules, as well as round-trip flights to Aruba on Sunday.

Venezuela Projects Defiance as Trump Administration Pressures Maduro Allies: Live Updates

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a military quarantine of Venezuela would remain in place. Aides to President Nicolás Maduro said they were still in charge of the country, where the death toll from Saturday’s raid rose to 80.

www.nytimes.com

 

[otto]

Trump is escalating threats against sovereign nations today, again threatening Greenland.

The problem with that is NATO Article 5. The US cannot simultaneously remain a NATO member and attack a NATO member. US withdrawal from NATO places NATO assets in question ... global upheaval and power shift with no guarantee that the US comes out on top.

"Two groups of countries have issued a statement on the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Maduro. Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain denounced the US attack as unlawful. A group of 26 EU member states called on Venezuela and the US for calm and restraint.
...

President Trump has issued threatening remarks against Venezuelan Vice President Rodriguez. "If she doesn't do the right thing, she'll pay a very high price, probably even higher than Maduro," he said in an interview with The Atlantic magazine ."​

Trump bedreigt vicepresident van Venezuela • Rijen voor supermarkten in Caracas

In dit blog lees je over de ontwikkelingen over de aanval van de VS op Venezuela en de gevangenname van de Venezolaanse president Maduro.

nos.nl

"The president told The Atlantic that [Vice President] Delcy Rodríguez needs to comply with U.S. wishes—or else.
...

During our call, Trump, who had just arrived at his golf club in West Palm Beach, was in evident good spirits, and reaffirmed to me that Venezuela may not be the last country subject to American intervention.

“We do need Greenland, absolutely,” he said, describing the island—a part of Denmark, a NATO ally—as “surrounded by Russian and Chinese ships.” And in discussing Venezuela’s future, he signaled a clear shift away from his previous distaste for regime change and nation building, rejecting the concerns of many in his MAGA base. “You know, rebuilding there and regime change, anything you want to call it, is better than what you have right now. Can’t get any worse,” he said.​

Trump Threatens Venezuela’s New Leader With a Fate Worse Than Maduro’s

The president told The Atlantic that Delcy Rodríguez needs to comply with U.S. wishes—or else.

www.theatlantic.com

 

[Sundog]

Canada is taking a strong stance regarding respecting and upholding international law and democracy. The US kidnapping of a foreign leader, and violation of the U.N. Charter, is another example of divergent paths for Canada and the united states.

I'm curious to hear the results of the UN emergency meeting on Monday. The U.S. violated the founding U.N. Charter, which states: All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.

"Canada has not recognised the illegitimate regime of [Nicolás] Maduro since it stole the 2018 election," Carney said on social media Saturday evening. "The Canadian government therefore welcomes the opportunity for freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity for the Venezuelan people.​

​

The prime minister added that Canada has "long-supported a peaceful, negotiated, and Venezuelan-led transition process that respects the democratic will of the Venezuelan people" and it calls on all parties to respect international law.​

...​

​

"In keeping with our long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy, Canada calls on all parties to respect international law and we stand by the people of Venezuela and their desire to live in a peaceful and democratic society," Anand added."​

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-political-leaders-venezuela-maduro-9.7032642

"The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Monday after the U.S. attacked Venezuela and deposed its long-serving autocratic President Nicolas Maduro, a move that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres views as setting "a dangerous precedent."​

​

Colombia, backed by Russia and China, requested the meeting of the 15-member council, diplomats said.​

...​

​

"This is a colonial war aimed at destroying our republican form of government, freely chosen by our people, and at imposing a puppet government that allows the plundering of our natural resources, including the world’s largest oil reserves," Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador Samuel Moncada wrote to the U.N. Security Council on Saturday."​

UN Security Council to meet Monday over US action in Venezuela

The United Nations Security Council is due to meet on Monday after the U.S. attacked Venezuela and deposed its long-serving autocratic President Nicolas Maduro, a move that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres views as setting "a dangerous precedent."

www.reuters.com

in my humble opinion!

Also from this article, from Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre -

Congratulations to President Trump on successfully arresting narco-terrorist and socialist dictator Nicolas Maduro, who should live out his days in prison.

The legitimate winner of the most recent Venezuelan elections, Edmundo González, should take office along with the courageous hero and voice of the Venezuelan people, María Corina Machado.

Down with socialism. Long live freedom.

 

[otto]

The US wants Venezuela for oil. The US wants Greenland for rare earth elements. In both cases, the US presents a false reason for aggression.

"Greenland contains some of the largest deposits of rare earth elements (REE) on Earth, such as yttrium, scandium, neodymium and dysprosium.

These REEs have unique properties that make them ideal for several industrial applications due to their ability to withstand extreme temperatures or chemical agents."

Why the world is turning to Greenland’s rare earth metals

Discover why Greenland's rare earth metals are drawing global attention amid rising demand for sustainable tech and energy.

www.innovationnewsnetwork.com

 

[Yellowbelly]

So if I've got this right, in contrast to what Mr Trump said yesterday, the USA will not, in fact, be running Venezuela. Today's plan is to keep the current regime in place minus Maduro and attempt to intimidate them into doing what the USA wants.

We await to see what tomorrow's plan turns out to be!

Rubio says US won’t govern Venezuela but will press for changes through oil blockade

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is suggesting the United States won't govern Venezuela other than enforcing an existing “oil quarantine” on the country.

apnews.com