The Two Truths of Venezuelan Intervention

After President Trump's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026, there was a mix of relief and skepticism in the Venezuelan diaspora and across the U.S. Trump's actions without congressional approval marked a turning point in foreign intervention without a clear path forward towards democratic progress. Maduro's illegitimate rule was finally over. But will Venezuela's authoritarian rule lessen? 

Liselotte Harrity, a leader of Casa de Venezuela, and Diego Adrian Zuniga, a Haverford College student, speak on their views as members of the Philadelphia area's Venezuelan diaspora. Sam Handlin, a Swarthmore Political Science professor who studies authoritarianism in Latin America, discusses his research and reactions in January. This episode of War News Radio was reported in January 2026 and reflects the viewpoints then. Information and perspectives may have changed since. Reporting by Lucy Tobier.