YouTube03 Jan 2026

Bonus Episode: How Is Trump Planning to ‘Run’ Venezuela? (With Anne Applebaum) | The David Frum Show

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The Atlantic

In a special edition of The David Frum Show, David Frum and Anne Applebaum discuss the U.S. military's apprehension of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wife. They explore the implications of Donald Trump's vague statements about "running Venezuela," the lack of international support for the action, and the potential domestic political motivations behind it. The conversation covers the undemocratic nature of the Venezuelan regime, the plight of Venezuelan refugees, and the broader dangers of the U.S. abandoning its traditional role as a defender of democracy and human rights in favor of a spheres-of-influence approach to global politics, potentially impacting international relationships, trade, and even domestic values. They also touch on the historical context of American foreign policy and its connection to domestic issues like civil rights, as well as the possible deals and motivations behind Trump's actions, including the influence of Russia and the release of convicted drug traffickers.

Outlines

Part 1: The Event and Immediate Concerns

Part 2: Motives and Contradictory Policies

Part 3: Global Strategy and Spheres of Influence

Part 4: Domestic Impact and Historical Context

Part 5: Political Reactions and Future Outlook

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