We’re going to talk about Venezuela again today and I know you don’t want to hear it. But it’s important. Because when Trump yoinked the Nobel Peace Prize yesterday, he taught the world a valuable lesson.
And I desperately hope people learn it. Don’t skip this one. Please.
President Donald Trump meets with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado in the Oval Office, on January 15, 2026 in Washington, D.C. (Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images)
1. Shakedown
On the one hand, I have sympathy for María Corina Machado. She has fought bravely for her country against a dangerous, criminal regime. In order to topple this regime, she needs the help of the United States.
On the other hand, her actions yesterday will not help the cause of democracy in Venezuela and are an affront to the Americans currently being beaten and targeted by Donald Trump’s masked secret police.
Let’s go deep...
Join The Bulwark to unlock the rest.
Become a paying member of The Bulwark to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content.
Unlimited access to articles and newsletters including The Triad by JVL and Receipts by Catherine Rampell.
Ad-free editions of our shows (with transcripts) and member-only shows like The Secret Podcast.
Plus community chats and commenting features. Your support helps keep our work sustainable and available to those who cannot afford a membership. Cancel anytime.
