WSJ What’s News — Episode Summary

Episode Title: The U.S. Oil Blockade of Venezuela Is Pushing Cuba Toward Collapse
Date: December 23, 2025
Host(s): Daniel Bach (filling in for Luke Vargas)
Featured Guest(s): Juan Ferrero (WSJ South America Bureau Chief), Damian Paletta, Ray Smith

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode digs into the ripple effects of the Trump administration’s escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela—particularly its blockade of Venezuelan oil—and how these measures are threatening to push crisis-ridden Cuba to the brink of economic and social collapse. The episode also features coverage of the U.S.–Greenland diplomatic dispute, changes in Washington, and workplace etiquette as offices continue to adjust post-COVID.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Greenland’s Sovereignty Dispute

[00:47-01:53]

• President Trump appointed Governor Jeff Landry as special envoy to Greenland, stoking diplomatic tensions.
• Denmark and Greenland object strongly, reasserting their sovereignty.
• The U.S. cites Greenland’s strategic value due to Russian and Chinese activities:
  • Ray Smith: “We need Greenland for national security…” [01:41]
  • Juan Ferrero: “You have Russian and Chinese ships all over the place.” [01:46]
• Denmark not consulted prior to the appointment; plans to summon the U.S. ambassador for clarification.

2. Diplomatic Changes Under Trump

[01:53-03:00]

• Trump administration recalling nearly 30 diplomats, mostly Biden-era appointees.
• The State Department defends the move as standard practice, though specifics are undisclosed.

3. U.S. Ban on Chinese Drones

[03:00-03:55]

• FCC bans drones and critical components from Chinese companies like DJI, Otel Robotics.
• Many U.S. commercial pilots object, saying American drones are not competitive.
• DJI: “Disappointed with the FCC’s decision and reiterated the security of their products.” [Paraphrased]

4. Approval of GLP1 Weight-Loss Pill

[03:55-04:24]

• Novo Nordisk receives U.S. approval for tablet formulation of Ozempic/Wegovy.
• Anticipated broad market impact; price and accessibility discussed.

5. Midterm Elections — Congressional Exodus

[04:24-05:11]

• 52 lawmakers not seeking re-election; surpassing prior records.
• Damian Paletta:

  “It used to be considered quite prestigious to be a senator or congressman…a growing number…are deciding this is not for them anymore. They've said there's just too much grief. Congress has become too insignificant. So much is being done by the White House and even the courts have clawed away the powers that Congress used to have.” [04:24]

6. Markets Overview

[05:11-05:39]

• Awaiting delayed Q3 GDP data.
• Gold futures climb above $4,500.

Special Focus: U.S. Oil Blockade of Venezuela & Consequences for Cuba

Background & Overview

[06:05-06:47]

• U.S. policy aims to choke off revenue for Venezuela, targeting President Maduro, whom the Trump administration blames for fueling migration and drug flows.
• Collateral damage: Cuba, historically reliant on Venezuelan oil, faces energy and humanitarian disaster.

Cuba’s Economic Dependency on Venezuela

[06:47-07:33] — Juan Ferrero

• Historical context: Cuba previously received up to 100,000 barrels/day of subsidized oil.
• Cuba sells some oil for cash, relies on the rest for domestic needs.
• Venezuela’s downward spiral: Shipments have dropped sharply leading to massive blackouts—lights off 18-20 hours/day in some areas.
• Quote:

  “...the light are off for 18, 20 hours a day.” — Juan Ferrero [07:10]

Humanitarian Impact

[07:33-08:28] — Juan Ferrero

• New crisis levels; “a period it hasn’t experienced before in exactly the same way.”
• Acute shortages: hunger, disease outbreaks (dengue/chikungunya), garbage accumulation.
• Officials acknowledge severity but not solutions, highlighting regime’s resistance to practical reform.
• Quote:

  “So it’s a really prolonged and deep economic crisis…they will openly talk about it but they won’t openly talk about what the solutions are.” — Juan Ferrero [07:56]

Mass Migration & Societal Strain

[08:28-09:40] — Juan Ferrero

• Staggering exit rate: 2.7 million (25% of population) left since 2020; mostly young, ambitious risk-takers.
• Population aging rapidly; fertility rate at historic lows.
• If conditions worsen, broader migration attempts likely—even as U.S. clamping down on entries.
• Quote:

  “One highly regarded Havana based demographer told us that more than 2.7 million people had fled the island since 2020. Now that's a quarter of the island's population.” — Juan Ferrero [08:42]

Closing on Cuba

[09:44]

• Daniel thanks Juan Ferrero for insight, underscoring gravity and complexity of unfolding crisis.

Other Notable Segments

The State of Workplace Etiquette

[10:11-11:16] — Ray Smith & Daniel Bach

• New edition of Emily Post’s Business Etiquette spurs debate on office behaviors in the hybrid world.

• Fierce opinions on phone use in meetings:

  • Should phones be on, on silent, Do Not Disturb, or off?
  • Many cite family communication needs; others see it as a breach of etiquette.

• Ray Smith:

  “People really feel strongly about their ability to have their phone on in a meeting…We learned that people are really struggling with electronic etiquette.” [10:46]

• Only a tiny fraction of quiz takers (<5%) could answer eight or more etiquette questions correctly; newsroom average is 5/10.

• Daniel Bach:

  “We might be wary of shaking your hand if you just sneezed on it.” [11:16]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Ray Smith (on Greenland): “We need Greenland for national security…” [01:41]
• Juan Ferrero (on Cuban collapse): “...the light are off for 18, 20 hours a day.” [07:10]
• Damian Paletta (on Congressional departures): “...there's just too much grief. Congress has become too insignificant. So much is getting done by the White House and even the courts have clawed away the powers that Congress used to have.” [04:24]
• Juan Ferrero (on migration): “...more than 2.7 million people had fled the island since 2020. Now that's a quarter of the island's population.” [08:42]
• Ray Smith (on phones at work): “People really feel strongly about their ability to have their phone on in a meeting…We learned that people are really struggling with electronic etiquette.” [10:46]

Key Timestamps

• 00:47–01:53: Greenland sovereignty dispute, Trump appoints envoy
• 01:53–03:00: U.S. diplomacy shake-up
• 03:00–03:55: FCC bans Chinese-made drones
• 03:55–04:24: Approval of GLP1 weight-loss pill
• 04:24–05:11: Congressional retirements analysis
• 06:05–07:33: Venezuela oil blockade’s impact on Cuba (Juan Ferrero)
• 07:33–08:28: Humanitarian crisis in Cuba
• 08:28–09:40: Migration statistics, demographic shifts
• 10:11–11:16: Workplace etiquette debates and generational shifts

Conclusion

The episode masterfully weaves major political and economic headlines—particularly the cascading consequences of U.S. policy in Latin America and the steadily unraveling situation in Cuba. It enriches the news with expert analysis and on-the-ground statistics, while lighter segments on workplace manners capture the ways everyday life is evolving. For listeners seeking clarity on geopolitical moves, their human cost, and the state of current events, this episode is direct, balanced, and packed with rich factual insight.