WSJ What’s News – January 6, 2026
Episode: Why Latin America Wants Change in Venezuela
Overview
In this episode, host Luke Vargas examines the major political shift in Venezuela following Delsey Rodriguez's swearing-in as acting president after Nicolas Maduro's arrest. The discussion centers on the prospects for stability and democracy in Venezuela, regional and US responses, and the implications for migration, security, and US-Latin American relations. Key insights are provided by Carlos Solar, Senior Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Delsey Rodriguez Assumes Leadership in Venezuela
- Rodriguez, Maduro’s former vice president, vows to defend Venezuela’s sovereignty while signaling a willingness to dialogue with the US.
- Rodriguez refers to Maduro’s arrest as the “kidnapping of a hero” but has been in contact with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
[00:18-01:07]
Rodriguez: “Pledged to protect Venezuela's sovereignty and independence… described Maduro's arrest as the kidnapping of a hero… signaled her willingness to work with Washington and spoken to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.”
2. CIA’s Assessment and US Strategy
-
CIA reportedly concluded that Maduro’s inner circle, including Rodriguez, was best able to maintain civil order, whereas opposition figures would face serious legitimacy and security issues.
[01:07-02:09]
Host Luke Vargas: “CIA concluded that Rodriguez… were best placed to maintain order in Venezuela, while opposition figures… would be struggling to gain legitimacy.” -
Carlos Solar supports engaging with Rodriguez as a pragmatic move to facilitate a stable transition.
Carlos Solar [02:09]:
“I think that's the safe bet. The US has been collecting intelligence… I think a dialogue with Delcy Rodriguez might move the needle in the direction that the rest of Latin America will want, which is redemocratization of Venezuela.”
3. Regional Implications: Migration & Crime
- The Venezuelan crisis has resulted in an exodus of approximately 8 million people, straining neighboring countries and fueling transnational organized crime, notably groups like Tren de Aragua.
[02:59-03:14]
Carlos Solar: “The calculations are 8 million Venezuelans have gone out of the country… Those lines of migration are usually controlled by transnational organized crime.” - Latin American countries, regardless of their stance on US policy, are unified in their desire to end Venezuela’s instability and the associated rise in criminality.
[03:14-04:08]
“Everyone in Latin America has been hurt by Tren de Aragua… might not side with White House foreign policy, but they do side with the fact that Venezuela is in a downward spiral and is escalating criminality.”
4. Latin American Perspectives on US Intervention
-
The region has seen vocal opposition to US involvement, including strong rhetoric from Cuba and Colombia; nevertheless, Solar notes this is often “heat of the moment” posturing.
Carlos Solar [04:31]:
“This is a lot of heat of the moment, okay? A lot of political opposition to whatever Donald Trump will do… If we rewind history… Panama turned into a flourishing country…” -
Solar argues that lasting regional priorities—like stability and democracy—may outweigh short-term anti-US sentiment.
[05:00-05:37]
“It's not about running Venezuela. I think it's about having enough political pressure in order to steer the regime in one direction… transition towards democracy.”
5. US Foreign Policy Shift: “Enforcer of the Americas”
- The Trump administration, with Marco Rubio serving as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, is taking an assertive role in Latin America, especially on Venezuela.
Carlos Solar [05:48]:
“As long as Marco Rubio is running the show, I think there’ll be a lot of energy towards the Western hemisphere… He speaks in Spanish to foreign leaders in Latin America… the connection between what the White House can do with the rest of Latin America and specifically in connection with Venezuela is quite strong at the moment.” - Rubio’s expertise and political connections in Latin America are highlighted as factors in the administration’s strategy.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the CIA’s Venezuela Assessment:
“The US has been collecting intelligence… So I think the security services have a good and clear idea of who's running the country.”
— Carlos Solar [02:09] -
On Regional Impact of Venezuelan Crisis:
“Everyone in Latin America has been hurt by Tren de Aragua… all these countries… they do side with the fact that Venezuela is in a downward spiral and is escalating criminality across Latin America.”
— Carlos Solar [03:14] -
On US Intervention Rhetoric:
“This is a lot of heat of the moment… If we rewind history… Panama turned into a flourishing country…”
— Carlos Solar [04:31] -
On US and Marco Rubio’s Role:
“As long as Marco Rubio is running the show, I think there'll be a lot of energy towards the Western hemisphere.”
— Carlos Solar [05:48]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Introduction and episode theme: [00:18–01:07]
- Interview with Carlos Solar on CIA assessment and US policy: [01:07–02:59]
- Migration and crime implications: [02:59–04:08]
- Response of Latin American governments to US action: [04:08–05:37]
- US foreign policy pivot and Marco Rubio’s leadership: [05:37–06:28]
Tone & Language
The episode remains analytical and pragmatic, with Solar providing measured reflections on both the emotional and strategic responses to US involvement in Venezuela. The tone is factual, yet acknowledges the passion and complexity of Latin American politics and US relations.
Summary
This episode provides an informed, nuanced examination of Venezuela’s uncertain future after Maduro, the US’s pragmatic approach in supporting Rodriguez for stability, and the broader regional stakes, especially regarding migration and security. While anti-American sentiment has flared, underlying regional priorities point toward a collective interest in Venezuela’s democratization and an end to cascading instability—a process now heavily influenced by renewed US engagement.