Democracy Now

Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 9, 2026
A Democracy Now report details escalating tensions surrounding ICE operations in the US, controversial US foreign policy moves regarding Venezuela and Greenland, and ongoing global conflicts, highlighting a disregard for international law and domestic accountability.

Trump Vows to “Indefinitely” Control Venezuela’s Oil
The US seized Venezuelan oil tankers and allegedly abducted President Maduro, with President Trump declaring indefinite control over Venezuela's oil sales, sparking debate over international law and internal Venezuelan dynamics.

Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 8, 2026
This episode details a series of escalating domestic and international crises, including a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, US military intervention in Venezuela, and widespread human rights abuses in Sudan and Gaza, all framed by a critical lens on US government actions.

Trump's Plan to Seize Greenland Would "Militarize the Arctic," Trample Indigenous Rights
The Trump administration's aggressive pursuit of Greenland, including potential military force, sparks international condemnation, threatens NATO, and highlights the disregard for indigenous sovereignty and international law.

"This Is Our Hemisphere": Report from Colombia on Trump's Escalating Threats to the Region
Donald Trump escalated threats against Venezuela and Colombia, claiming the right to Venezuelan oil and accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of drug trafficking, prompting a strong defense from a Colombian activist.

Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 7, 2026
A US military raid leads to the abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro, with President Trump claiming control over Venezuelan oil, while globally, the US pledges security to Ukraine and Israel faces accusations over hindering Gaza aid.

Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 6, 2026
The US faces international condemnation and domestic unrest following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, while simultaneously facing a controversial new vaccine schedule and a political standoff over a January 6th plaque.

"Imperial Laboratory": Alexander Aviña on the "Donroe" Doctrine & U.S. Intervention in Latin America
Professor Alexander Aviña explains how Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' and military actions in Venezuela are a continuation of a bipartisan US imperial strategy in Latin America, often signaling US weakness rather than strength.

"It's All About the Oil, Stupid!": Mehdi Hasan on Trump Attacking Venezuela & Kidnapping Maduro
Mehdi Hassan argues that the US intervention in Venezuela, including the detention of President Maduro, was explicitly driven by oil interests, with President Trump openly admitting this motivation and briefing oil executives before Congress.

What’s Next in Trump’s War on Venezuela?
Experts dissect former President Trump's claims about Venezuelan oil and the broader US strategy in Latin America, revealing a complex web of resource interests, historical revisionism, and geopolitical maneuvering.

Law Prof. David Cole on the Illegality of U.S. Attack on Venezuela
Constitutional law expert David Cole dismantles the Trump administration's claim of a 'law enforcement operation' in Venezuela, framing it as an illegal imperialist invasion driven by oil interests and a dangerous precedent for international law.

Report from Caracas on U.S. Attack & Maduro Abduction
The US launched a military attack on Venezuela, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, leading to international condemnation and a power vacuum in Caracas.

Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 5, 2026
The US military launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, sparking international condemnation and threats of further military action against other nations.

Special Report on Venezuela: U.S. Abducts Maduro, Trump Says "We Are Going to Run" Oil-Rich Nation
The United States launched a large-scale military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with President Trump declaring the US would 'run' the oil-rich nation and control its oil industry, drawing widespread international condemnation and triggering calls for resistance within Venezuela.
Want more on us foreign policy?
Explore deep-dive summaries and actionable takeaways from the best minds across different podcasts discussing this topic.
View All Us Foreign Policy Episodes→Don't see the episode you're looking for?
We're constantly adding new episodes, but if you want to see a specific one from Democracy Now summarized, let us know!
Submit an Episode