Jan 4 2026

Trump Invades Venezuela

Posted originally on Jan 3, 2026 by Martin Armstrong |

QUESTION: What a way to start the new year with fireworks. And they waited for the markets to be closed to do it. How considerate of them.

Could this be seen as the start of an attack on China? Or at least an instigation?

ANSWER: Well, the computer has been targeting the first week of January for months now going into the key week of the 19th and then the first week of February. China has been the #1 client for Venezuelan oil. They also get oil from Iran where Trump has stated that he is ready to invade Iran if they begin killing protesters. Iran also supplies oil to China and then constructed a railroad to bring that oil to China. Yes, 2026 is starting off with a bang.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday the United States conducted a large-scale strike in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Maduro and his wife were captured and flown to the USA. Trump said in an early morning post on Truth Social.

“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement.”

The New York Times instantly wrote:

“Mr. Trump has not yet offered a coherent explanation for his actions in Venezuela. He is pushing our country toward an international crisis without valid reasons. If Mr. Trump wants to argue otherwise, the Constitution spells out what he must do: Go to Congress. Without congressional approval, his actions violate United States law.”

What I find most curious is how biased the press is against Trump. Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson sent U.S. Marines and sailors into Central America at least 15 times between 1902 and 1920. The 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama, code-named Operation Just Cause, which resulted in the capture of Panama’s de facto leader, General Manuel Noriega took place the same way without asking permission from Congress. That applies to a declaration of war.

President George H.W. Bush did not seek or receive a formal declaration of war or specific authorization from Congress before launching the invasion to “seize the head of Panama” (capture Noriega). He acted based on his authority as Commander-in-Chief.

Mr. Bush is followed almost exactly the Roosevelt-Wilson policies that locked the U.S. into its worst era of U.S.-Latin American relations. He copied the earlier Presidents’ use of unilateral force to overthrow the government of a sovereign country, their declarations that they were doing this in the name of democracy and their installation of a regime that owed its power to U.S. force.

Here the NY Times is calling this action by Trump ILLEGAL, when they did not do so on any of these other actions. The Constitution requires a Declaration of War can only be issued by Congress. That is a prolonged conflict like Vietnam, WWI and WWII. None of these other actions were prolonged engagements of war,

The Declare War Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution explicitly grants Congress, not the President, the power “to declare War.” It is unlikely that the Founders intended to require a congressional declaration for the capture of a head of state as in the Panama invasion. The War Powers Resolution (1973) while not part of the Constitution itself, this law (passed over a presidential veto) was designed to enforce Congress’s constitutional role. It requires Consultation with Congress “in every possible instance” before introducing forces into hostilities. Reporting to Congress within 48 hours. Withdrawal of forces within 60-90 days unless Congress authorizes further action.

Critics argue that President Bush failed in the “consultation” requirement, only informing key leaders mere hours before the invasion began, which they see as a violation of the spirit and letter of the law meant to uphold Congressional authority. Proponents of this view argued that for major military actions, modern presidents have typically sought and received some form of congressional authorization (e.g., Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, 1991 Gulf War Authorization, 2001 AUMF). The absence of such authorization for Panama is seen as a constitutional breach.

The Opposing Argument: It Was a Lawful Exercise of Presidential Power

This was the position of the Bush Administration and its supporters. Commander-in-Chief Clause (Article II, Section 2) gives the President as the “Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy” this power that includes protecting U.S. citizens and interests abroad. They cited direct threats to the 35,000 Americans in Panama, the killing of a U.S. Marine, and harassment of another officer and his wife as imminent dangers requiring a swift military response.

The U.S. had treaty obligations to defend the Panama Canal. The administration framed Noriega’s regime as a threat to the canal’s neutrality and to U.S. strategic interests, justifying the use of force as an act of national self-defense, which falls within the President’s inherent authority. There is a long history of presidents using military force without a congressional declaration of war (e.g., Jefferson against the Barbary pirates, numerous Cold War interventions). They argue this establishes a constitutional precedent for the executive to act in defense of U.S. interests, especially in limited, short-term engagements.

The Bush administration maintained it complied with the law by reporting to Congress promptly (within 48 hours). They considered the prior “consultation” with a handful of congressional leaders as meeting the requirement, though many in Congress disputed the adequacy of that consultation.

The courts have historically been reluctant to adjudicate “political questions” involving war powers, and no lawsuit on the Panama invasion reached a definitive Supreme Court ruling. Therefore, there is no legal precedent from the judiciary. While some in Congress were furious, the operation was swift, successful, and popular with the American public. Congress held hearings but took no action to challenge or restrain the President, such as cutting off funding. This political ratification after the fact is often seen as a de facto acceptance of the action.

In theory, Congress’s ultimate constitutional check is the power of the purse and impeachment. By not using these tools, Congress effectively allowed the President’s interpretation of his powers to stand in this instance. From a strict constitutional theory perspective (emphasizing Congress’s sole power to initiate war), the capture of Noriega via a full-scale invasion can be argued as a violation. From a historical and practical executive power perspective (emphasizing the President’s role in responding to threats), it is argued as a lawful action.

The invasion of Panama remains a key case study in the unresolved tension between Article I and Article II war powers. It demonstrates how presidential initiative, combined with congressional inaction and public support, can effectively expand the boundaries of executive authority without a clear constitutional settlement.

Trump has the protecting American lives because of the flood of drugs that have been orchestrated from Venezuela and the Democrats lamenting about killing people on drug boats rather than the concern about Americans dying from the drugs.

2026_01_03_08_52_01_Maduro_and_His_Wife_Indicted_in_US_Federal_Court_The_Epoch_Times

Nicolas Maduro and his wife were indicted in the Southern District of New York, the most corrupt court in the land. There is no way they will receive a fail trial. Trials in NYC are always a dog and pony show. The judges do as they are told and the court of appeals is a joke. This is only to make it pretend to be legal instead of just shooting him on the spot.

This is all illustrative of the deep seated polarization in politics. The United States is now so divided, it is like Iran vs Israel. There is no possible way to unite the nation. This is why the United States will eventually divide. Each side sees only their view and there can never be any compromise.

Jan 4 2026

Despite Media Protestations – No Congressional Notification Needed or Warranted in Maduro Operation

Posted originally on CTH on January 4, 2026 | Sundance

Many on the political left, and even a few on the political right, are having fits about President Trump authorizing the operation to capture Venezuela president and narcotrafficker Nicolas Maduro without any congressional notification.

Several House members attempted to frame the issue as Trump acting as a dictator. A few called attention to the lack of the Gang of Eight being notified, and even some Republican senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee were concerned with the military deployment without advance notice.

If a covert intelligence operation was deployed, the President would sign a “finding memo” generally notifying the Gang of Eight, but that doesn’t apply in this instance.

President Trump remarked a concern with leaks was an element, saying that Congress has “a tendency to leak,” which he said could have produced “a very different result.” However, Secretary Marco Rubio was purposefully clear in his statement about the operation.

“This is not the kind of mission that you can do congressional notification on. It was a trigger-based mission in which conditions had to be met night after night,” Rubio said later at a Mar-a-Lago news conference. “Remember, at the end of day, at its core, this was an arrest of two indicted fugitives of American justice, and the Department of War supported the Department of Justice in that job. Now there are broader policy implications here, but it’s just not the kind of mission that you can pre-notify because it endangers the mission,” he said.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton affirmed after discussion with Rubio, “congress doesn’t need to be notified ever time the executive branch is making an arrest. And that’s exactly what happened this morning in Venezuela, and now Maduro is going to come to the United States, and he’s going to face justice.”

This is an important distinction. The DEA and DOJ carried out an arrest of an indicted drug trafficker.

This was, as Rubio noted, a law enforcement operation to capture fugitives. The military component was in support of that operation, nothing more. The DOJ had the lead; the DEA was the enforcement mechanism, and the military were in tactical support.

Pertaining to the “broader policy implications” noted by Rubio, there are many facets. As accurately noted by Cynical Publius:

“Under Maduro, Venezuela had become the Latin American crossroads for all of the USA’s principal enemies. Maduro was nurturing relationships with Russia, Hezbollah and Iran. Worst of all, Venezuela was eagerly becoming a part of Red China’s Belt & Road initiative.

As America’s enemies were lining up Venezuela as their base of operations in the Western Hemisphere to cause mischief and destruction for the USA, Maduro was at the same time making Venezuela a crossroads, safe haven and enabler for all manner of narcoterrorist operations, ranging from Colombia’s FARC to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.

On top of all that, Venezuela had become a key player in the illegal alien invasion of the USA, shipping its very worst to the USA in a deliberate and comprehensive destabilizing operation that might have worked had Donald Trump not won in 2024.

[…] So was Maduro seized because of some five-year-old drug charges? Yes. Legally–yes. However, like so many strategic issues in the world today, an action needed to be backed by the fine points of law, and it was. But the reality is that the Maduro takedown was a Monroe Doctrine-driven necessity that has greatly enhanced the power and national security of the USA. (read more)

However, beyond the geopolitical issue that relates to all the above, there is another consideration that might help explain the immediate and alarmed reaction of Mexico.

With President Trump now forcefully executing exfiltration of narcotic drug traffickers, the ramifications for Mexico and the Cartels who own/operate the Mexican government take on a new context.

If the U.S. will raid Venezuela, will the U.S. now conduct a similar approach closer to home?

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: Mexico condemns military intervention in Venezuela – The Government of Mexico strongly condemns and rejects the military actions carried out unilaterally in recent hours by armed forces of the United States of America against targets in the territory of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in clear violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations (UN).

Based on its foreign policy principles and its pacifist vocation, Mexico makes an urgent call to respect international law, as well as the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, and to cease any act of aggression against the Venezuelan government and people.

Latin America and the Caribbean is a zone of peace, built on the basis of mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use and threat of force, so that any military action puts regional stability at serious risk.

Mexico emphatically reiterates that dialogue and negotiation are the only legitimate and effective ways to resolve existing differences and therefore reaffirms its readiness to support any effort to facilitate dialogue, mediation or accompaniment that would help to preserve regional peace and avoid confrontation.

It also urges the United Nations to act immediately to contribute to the de-escalation of tensions, facilitate dialogue and create conditions that allow for a peaceful, sustainable solution in accordance with international law. (link)

Reconsider these words from Rubio, against the backdrop of what Mexico is known for. WATCH:

Jan 4 2026

Nicolas Maduro Lands in New York and Gets the Full Perp Walk Treatment

Posted originally on CTH on January 4, 2026 | Sundance |

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his arrested wife, Cilia Flores, landed at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York late Saturday afternoon.

The couple have been charged with narcoterrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses. [INDICTMENT HERE] Maduro and Flores are likely to be held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility in Brooklyn, to be housed after being processed by the DEA.

DEA officers escorted Maduro for his customary perp walk through the airport as video and photographs were taken.

(VIA AP) – […] The middle-of-the-night seizure of Maduro and his wife, who were transported on a U.S. warship and arrived in New York on Saturday evening to face narcoterrorism conspiracy charges, is beyond even the most high-profile historical examples of aggressive American actions toward autocratic governments in Panama, Iraq, and beyond, legal experts said. It came after a surprise U.S. incursion into the Venezuelan capital, rocked with overnight explosions.

The Trump administration described the operation — and earlier deadly strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea — as necessary to stem the flow of dangerous drugs.

Jan 4 2026

President Trump Holds a Press Conference Following Capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro – 11:00am Livestream

Today at 11:00am ET President Donald Trump will deliver remarks and hold a press conference addressing the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

President Trump is expected to discuss the operation, its international implications, and next steps as details continue to emerge. Livestream Links Below:

The indictment against Maduro has been unsealed and released – SEE HERE

January 3, 2026 | Sundance |

Jan 4 2026

Monday Should Be Really Interesting – And Other Random Stuff

My grandpa, and later my father, used to say something at particular moments that generally annoyed me but turned out to be entirely accurate, much to my youthful angst… “Well, hang around a one-legged group long enough, and you’re eventually going to end up limping.”

Yup, I learned to hate that lesson because the truth of it was always annoying.

This is perhaps the first time in memory when I look forward to Donald J Trump getting out of the Mar-a-Lago bubble and back to Washington DC. Good grief, just typing that I can’t believe I’m saying it. Here’s why:

Having followed and written about the optimal solution approach within the Trump Doctrine, a process that assigns responsibility to regional actors, then exits while providing support but not direct involvement [the delegation metric of high-support/low-direction], perhaps that is unfolding again in the background. However, it seems like Trump is accepting the annoying Iran monkey problem on our behalf. [REF: How to Make The Monkey Jump]

To be clear in my personal position, charity begins at home. (1) I don’t want conflict with Iran, nor do I really care about their internal political struggles; most of my day-to-day contacts feel the same. (2) At the same time, yes, I can imagine a scenario where Venezuela represents a threat to our continental objectives and national security, but would prefer to see them isolated from the outside. Embargo them, stuff them inside an economic confinement zone (if needed), tell them why, then let the internal mess work itself out; most of my day-to-day contacts seem to feel the same.

Granting President Trump the long view of support; I mean, we don’t know what he is aware of; I sure hope all of this Iran stuff has a direct connection to American strategic interests.

Simultaneously, I can certainly see where deconflicting the USA, vis-a-vis Ukraine (literally London and the EU) from friction with Russia, has a strategic interest and factual bearing on the dollar-based trade system. Attention on the Ukraine vs Russia stuff does have direct, albeit complicated outcomes attached to the economic standing of the average American. Iran less so.

Pictured Center: a one-legged man.

Looking at it from a geopolitically logical approach…. President Trump and Marco Rubio need Syria to remain stable.

Secretary Rubio has explained this aspect very well when he summarized the reason for President Trump lifting the sanctions against Syria. I get that part. But is this “locked and loaded” simply a brush back pitch against Iran to stop them from disrupting Trump’s Gaza objective. Maybe so, it does make sense; thus, we extend the benefit of doubt.

If Syria destabilizes the tenuous Israel/Gaza stuff gets more complicated. Iran can destabilize Syria. Therefore, putting pressure on the Iranian regime while simultaneously telling Israel to cool it over their Turkish opposition to the Gaza assist again does make sense.

Benjamin Netanyahu dislikes Recep Erdogan immensely and doesn’t trust him an inch. I get that part also, but Turkey is a weird place held together by Erdogan’s very specific brand of Muslim Brotherhood patriotism.

In very direct ways keeping Syria stable helps Turkey and by extension the EU.

If Syria erupts, the refugee exodus heads north, and cunning Erdogan – a tenuous NATO member seemingly never giving up on his Ottoman Empire rebuild – will play his “I can only absorb so much” card, thereby opening the gates for more authentic Islam travel further north into Europe.

[Our solid contacts in Istanbul have confirmed around 5 million Syrians have repatriated since President Ahmed al-Sharaa started his agenda to stabilize the region. The busy former al-Qaeda guy, 43-years-old, is also a bridge between Trump and Putin. So, there’s that.]

Keeping Syria stable also permits Trump’s Arab state coalition to deal with Gaza/Hamas in a constructive way. Trump told Netanyahu this publicly during the recent visit, essentially rebuking Israel’s justification for more IDF military action in Gaza. Again, President Trump is dancing through the minefield here with the long game to get us the f**k out of it, while Netanyahu is hugging Trump to pull the USA deeper into it.

If you understand the Iranian tentacles that still remain in Syria (see recent ISIS attacks), confronting Iran makes Israel very happy; however, it’s not Netanyahu’s happiness that stands behind Trump’s motive for the confrontation. Ultimately, the motive is Syria’s stability, Turkish Gaza support and the Arab money/engagement needed for the Mideast mess.

If our suspicions are correct, we should see Team Trump leaning toward Recep Erdogan, toward the Arab coalition and toward Syria at the same time he is managing Iran, managing Israel and managing a U.S. congress.

If the Ayatollahs are busy tamping down street protests, they are less likely to be poking Syria.

All of that is giving President Trump the maximum benefit of the doubt combined with the application of common sense.

♦ Meanwhile inside Russia, you might not hear about it from western media, but Ukraine and NATO are striking non-military targets, civilian areas, throughout Russia currently focusing heavy drone fire at Kazan, Russia’s third largest city.

STATE DEPT: “There have been drone attacks and explosions near the border with Ukraine, and in Moscow, Kazan, St. Petersburg, and other large cities.

Russian citizens are now very familiar with the sound of air raid sirens as increased drone attacks from Ukraine are extending into Russia. This noticeable increase in activity is happening in combination with U.S/Ukraine strategic discussions on an EU created ceasefire agreement.

The Rubio state department has now updated the Russia advisory summary warning all Americans of the danger in traveling throughout Russia.

The update is also timed with the increased drone attacks into Russia’s main population centers and is likely due to concern that Americans would be street targets for angered Russian nationalists.

If President Trump walks away from the EU/Ukraine peace agreement construct, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin will likely increase retaliatory attacks against Ukraine by significant levels. One of my good contacts shared, “if Trump walks away, Kiev will now be leveled.”

Apparently, despite the incoming fire increasing, Putin is holding back his response to give Trump room to operate, while still carefully managing the Kremlin politics and striking into Ukraine to appease those in Russian government who want the full weight of the Russian military to come down hard on Zelenskyy.

…”If Trump walks away, Kiev will now be leveled.”

Jan 4 2026

President Trump Discusses Capture of Maduro During First Interview

Posted originally on CTH on January 3, 2026 | Sundance

Speaking to Fox News this morning, President Trump answers questions about the Delta Force operation that captured Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro.

Maduro is currently aboard the USS Iwo Jima. WATCH: