Podcast Summary

Podcast: The 7 – The Washington Post
Episode: Nicolás Maduro expected in court; Venezuela poll; dancing and dementia risk; and more
Host: Hannah Jewell
Date: January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The 7, hosted by Hannah Jewell, covers the seven most significant stories of the day, including the dramatic U.S. operation leading to the capture of Venezuela's former president Nicolás Maduro, reactions from politicians and the public, the outlook for the 2026 midterms, a historic Secret Service hiring push, a surge in deaths from malnutrition among older Americans, NFL playoff updates, and a study linking dancing with reduced dementia risk.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nicolás Maduro Captured and to Appear in U.S. Court

• [00:02] Elite U.S. Army commandos conducted a nighttime raid in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores.
• The couple was transported to a U.S. ship and then to New York for drug trafficking charges; arraignment is set for noon (Eastern) in Manhattan federal court.
• President Donald Trump announced the U.S. would control Venezuela for an unspecified period and initiated a plan for U.S. oil companies to enter the country, both of which face uncertainty.
• International backlash includes widespread condemnation and accusations of violating international law, but legal proceedings in U.S. courts are expected to proceed.

Notable Quote:

• “President Donald Trump has said the US Will run Venezuela for an unspecified length of time. That plan is clouded in confusion… Trump also said US Oil companies would move into the country and try and boost oil production.” — Hannah Jewell [00:31]

2. Controversy over Congressional Approval and Legality

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists the operation did not require congressional approval, framing it as a quick, precise action rather than an ongoing military engagement.
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (voice quoted by Jewell) disagrees, insisting Congress has sole authority to declare war or approve such military acts.

Notable Quotes:

• “This was not an action that required congressional approval. In fact, it couldn’t… because this was not an invasion… It was a very delicate operation…” — Marco Rubio [01:24]
• “So of course, this was the military action. And pursuant to the Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war to authorize acts that take place.” — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (as quoted) [01:57]

3. Public Opinion Poll: U.S. Actions in Venezuela

• [02:08] A Washington Post poll of over 1,000 Americans found the country nearly evenly split on sending forces to capture Maduro and whether such action should require congressional approval.
• Overwhelmingly, Americans believe Venezuelans should choose their leadership; only 6% support the U.S. taking direct control.

Notable Insight:

• “An overwhelming majority of Americans say the Venezuelan people should decide the leadership of their country, while only 6% say the US should do so.” — Hannah Jewell [02:44]

4. 2026 Midterm Elections Outlook

• [03:25] Democrats have favorable polling ahead of the 2026 midterms and lead by 5 percentage points nationally, but face hurdles due to gerrymandering and a lack of competitive seats.
• 28 of the 39 competitive seats are in districts won by Trump by at least 5 points.
• The increasing polarization and prior redistricting further complicate the Democratic path to a landslide.

5. Secret Service: Ambitious Hiring Plans

• [04:58] The Secret Service plans to hire 4,000 new employees by 2028 due to burnout and retirements among staff.
• The agency prepares for critical events in 2028: both the presidential election and the Olympic Games.
• Recruiting challenges include a lengthy vetting process and competition from ICE for law enforcement candidates.

6. Malnutrition: America’s Fastest-Growing Cause of Death

• [05:38] Deaths attributed to malnutrition have surged sixfold nationwide over the last decade, per CDC and Post analysis.
• The increase cuts across all demographics, but is most severe among Americans aged 85+ (60 times the rate of others), and rising twice as fast in this group.
• Improved medical awareness and reporting explain some—but not all—of the dramatic rise.
• Food insecurity is not sufficient to explain a 746% increase for older adults.

Notable Explanation:

• “While food insecurity has risen among older Americans from 2011 to 2023. It can’t explain a 746% increase in malnutrition deaths among over that period, according to experts.” — Hannah Jewell [06:38]

7. NFL Playoffs: Teams and Key Dates

• [06:55] The Denver Broncos (AFC) and Seattle Seahawks (NFC) are top seeds for the NFL Playoffs and receive first-round byes.
• Playoffs start Saturday; the full bracket is available in the newsletter.
• Super Bowl 60 is set for February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA, with Bad Bunny as halftime performer.

8. Good News: Dancing Reduces Dementia Risk

• [07:36] A major study finds those dancing more than once a week had a 76% lower chance of developing dementia, likely due to creative, physical, and social benefits.
• Dancing involves multitasking—matching rhythm, recalling steps, navigating space, responding to a partner—which may protect cognitive function.

Notable Quote:

• “It seems like the cognitive multitasking associated with getting on down may give your brain the right type of workout.” — Hannah Jewell [08:19]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Elite U.S. army commandos arrived in Venezuela by helicopter. They descended into a compound where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, were sleeping. The couple were taken… to New York, where they will face drug trafficking charges.” — Hannah Jewell [00:06]
• “You couldn’t afford leaks. We couldn’t afford anything out there that would have endangered the mission and gotten people killed or killed off the mission…” — Marco Rubio [01:33]
• “Democrats will need to compete in districts that Trump won by large margins to pick up a significant number of seats.” — Hannah Jewell [03:53]
• “One cause of death is growing faster than all the others in America. That’s number five. Something strange is happening with malnutrition. It’s by far the fastest growing cause of death in America, soaring sixfold over the past decade or so.” — Hannah Jewell [05:29]
• “A study found that people who danced more than once a week had a 76% lower chance of dementia than those who did so rarely.” — Hannah Jewell [07:36]

Important Timestamps

• 00:02—U.S. raid in Venezuela and Maduro’s capture
• 01:24—Marco Rubio on legality of the operation
• 01:57—Hakeem Jeffries’ constitutional concerns
• 02:08-02:44—Public opinion poll on Venezuela
• 03:25-04:50—2026 Midterm Election Analysis
• 04:58—Secret Service hiring initiative
• 05:29-06:38—Malnutrition deaths surge
• 06:55—NFL Playoff update
• 07:36-08:19—Dancing and dementia risk

Tone and Style

The episode is brisk, informative, and clear, with careful neutrality on contentious issues. Jewell maintains a conversational tone, brings in direct quotes from relevant voices, and occasionally injects warmth and encouragement (especially with the good news segment).

For full details or to access linked stories and poll results, listeners are encouraged to sign up via The 7's newsletter.