The President's Daily Brief – Afternoon Bulletin

Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Mike Baker
Episode Theme:
A comprehensive briefing on the shifting geopolitical landscape, focusing on major developments in Venezuela’s post-Maduro regime engaging with Washington, and Russia’s dramatic escalation near NATO’s border with a hypersonic missile strike.

Episode Overview

This episode delivers crucial updates on two frontlines of global tension. Mike Baker breaks down the unexpected turn in Venezuela, where the new Rodriguez government is publicly aligning itself with the U.S. post-Maduro, raising questions about the authenticity of these reforms. Meanwhile, Russia raises stakes—and alarms—in Europe by launching a hypersonic, nuclear-capable missile near the NATO border, sending a message of intimidation as peace efforts stall in Ukraine. The briefing is loaded with analysis, revealing quotes, and up-to-the-minute details on why these stories are pivotal for U.S. interests.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Venezuela’s Post-Maduro Regime Signals Cooperation

[00:42–06:55]

• Major Concession Announced:
  The new Venezuelan regime, led by President Delcy Rodriguez after Maduro’s capture, announces the release of prominent political prisoners and gestures at easing pressure on the opposition.
• Public Display for Washington:
  These actions are a public performance, not handled covertly, clearly intended to signal openness to dialogue with the U.S.
  “It was a calculated public signal and one that the White House immediately took note of.” – Mike Baker [02:13]
• Who Was Released:
  • Biagio Pigieri: Opposition leader key in 2024 elections
  • Enrique Marquez: Former electoral authority member, detained on politicized charges
  • Rocio San Miguel: Human rights lawyer and defense analyst with Spanish citizenship—her arrest previously sparked international outcry
  • Additional releases: Unspecified number of foreign nationals and high-profile dissidents. A watchdog, Foro Penal, reports as of Monday, 806 political prisoners remain, including 85 foreign nationals.
• What It Means:
  • “This move does not mean that the leopard has changed its spots.” – Mike Baker [04:47]
  • Hundreds remain detained; there’s no judicial reform or dismantling of the repressive apparatus.
  • Still, by freeing high-profile figures, the regime is making a “more than token” concession.
• Broader Efforts and Motives:
  • Easing rhetoric toward the U.S., signaling energy cooperation, and pausing retaliation following U.S. military operations.
• Reactions:
  • President Trump: Applauds the move as “a very important and smart gesture.” [05:57]
  • Maria Corina Machado (Opposition Leader):

    “Injustice will not last forever, and truth, although it be wounded, ends up finding its way.” [06:36]

  • Machado is set to meet Trump next week.
• Cautious Optimism & Skepticism:
  • “This may be the opening chapter of a genuine transition, or it may simply be a tactical pause by a regime that wants to survive.” – Mike Baker [07:13]

2. Putin’s Hypersonic Missile Escalation Near NATO

[10:05–14:29]

• Dramatic Show of Force:
  • Russia fires a hypersonic, nuclear-capable “Ereshnik” missile at a target in western Ukraine near the Polish border—its second use since the war’s start.
  • Calculated to rattle all of Europe, not just Ukraine.
    “That sounds super peaceful. It’s a clear message of intimidation aimed at the entire European continent.” – Mike Baker [10:17]
• Scale and Impact:
  • Part of a wider bombardment: over 240 drones, 36 missiles; Kyiv hit hardest with infrastructure damage and civilian casualties.
  • Embassy impacts: Qatari embassy in Kyiv struck; over half a million homes lose heat amid freezing temperatures.
• Official Explanations & Reactions:
  • Russia claims retaliation against a supposed Ukrainian attack on Putin’s residence—a claim rejected as fabricated by both Ukrainian officials and U.S. intelligence.
  • Ukrainian Foreign Minister:

    “A grave threat to the security of the European continent and a test for the transatlantic community.” [11:17]

  • EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas:

    “A warning to Europe and to the U.S.,” adding that the EU must, “raise the cost of this war to Moscow.” [13:19]

• Strategic Message:
  • Missile is nuclear-capable, virtually impossible to intercept.
  • Demonstrates Russia's willingness to escalate if Western involvement deepens.
• Western Security Response:
  • The strike follows U.S. and European commitments for security guarantees and peacekeeping troop pledges to Ukraine.
  • U.S. Legislative Response:
    • New sanctions bill anticipated:

      “A bipartisan sanctions bill that would authorize tariffs of up to 500% on countries that knowingly purchase oil or uranium from Russia, as well as ban U.S. energy exports to Russia altogether.” – Mike Baker [14:10]

• Zelensky’s Demand:
  • Calls for a “firm international response,” urging harsher consequences for Russia and more air defense for Ukraine.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Baker, cautioning on Venezuela:

  “This move does not mean that the leopard has changed its spots.” [04:47]

• Donald Trump, on Venezuela:

  “A very important and smart gesture.” [05:57]

• Maria Corina Machado, Venezuela opposition leader:

  “Injustice will not last forever, and truth, although it be wounded, ends up finding its way.” [06:36]

• Mike Baker, on Russia’s hypersonic strike:

  “That sounds super peaceful. It’s a clear message of intimidation aimed at the entire European continent.” [10:17]

• Ukrainian Foreign Minister (via Baker):

  “A grave threat to the security of the European continent and a test for the transatlantic community.” [11:17]

• Kaja Kallas, EU foreign policy chief:

  “A warning to Europe and to the U.S.,” and that the EU must, “raise the cost of this war to Moscow.” [13:19]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Venezuela’s Concessions/Prisoner Releases: 00:42–07:13
• Quotes from Trump & Machado: 05:57, 06:36
• Venezuela Segment Wrap & Caution: 07:13
• Transition to Russia/Ukraine: 10:05
• Details of Russian Missile Strike: 10:17–12:10
• Reactions from Ukraine, EU, and U.S.: 11:17, 13:19
• U.S. Sanctions Bill Info: 14:10

Summary

This episode zeroes in on two critical foreign policy flashpoints:

Venezuela is showing new openness under President Delcy Rodriguez, freeing high-profile political prisoners and making overtures to the U.S. under President Trump. Yet, Baker counsels caution, pointing out that these moves may be designed more to gain relief and legitimacy than to signal fundamental change.

Meanwhile, Russia has escalated in Ukraine, launching a hypersonic missile near NATO territory in an explicit attempt to intimidate Europe and thwart deeper Western involvement. The strike comes amidst new U.S. security guarantees to Ukraine and is read as a direct warning to both Europe and the U.S.

Baker ties events together with equal parts analysis and wit, leaving listeners with a clear sense of the heightened stakes on both continents.