The latest episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson, unpacks one of the most extraordinary events in modern American foreign policy: the flawless U.S. military operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. This mission, known as Operation Absolute Resolve, was a stunning display of American strength and strategic precision, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Western Hemisphere.

• Event Summary (WATCH: PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESS CON HERE)
  

  • The U.S. military executed a highly complex and precise operation in Caracas, Venezuela, to apprehend Maduro.
  • The mission involved over 150 aircraft, advanced coordination across multiple military branches, and cyber and space operations.
  • The operation was completed without any American casualties, which is emphasized as a major success.

• Geopolitical Context

  • Venezuela’s significance stems from its vast oil reserves (largest in the world) and strategic location near the U.S.
  • Maduro’s regime is portrayed as illegitimate, corrupt, and deeply involved in drug trafficking and alliances with U.S. adversaries (Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah).
  • The discussion highlights Venezuela’s decline from being one of the wealthiest nations in the 1950s to a failed state under socialist rule.

• Legal Justifications

  • President Trump acted within his constitutional authority under Article II as Commander-in-Chief.
  • References are made to historical precedents, notably the 1990 capture of Manuel Noriega in Panama.
  • The legal basis includes:
    • FBI’s extraterritorial arrest authority.
    • Precedents like the Ker-Frisbie doctrine and United States v. Alvarez-Machain.
    • DOJ opinions (including one by Bill Barr) affirming presidential power to authorize such actions.
  • Anticipated legal challenges include head-of-state immunity and UN Charter arguments.

• Future Implications (WATCH HERE: Is Cuba Ready to Fall?)
  

  • There will be geopolitical ripple effects in Latin America, especially Cuba and Colombia.
  • Avoiding prolonged U.S. military occupation in Venezuela is key
  • Discussion of possible democratic elections and leadership changes in Venezuela.

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Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into explosive political and cultural commentary, major economic shifts, and breaking developments in U.S. foreign policy. The hour opens with Clay and Buck discussing the decline of New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning that his radical socialist agenda—framed as replacing “rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism”—could devastate property rights and public safety. They highlight viral clips of Mamdani’s allies advocating for housing as a “collective good,” signaling a push toward shared equity models that undermine private ownership. The hosts argue this reflects the broader influence of unmarried progressive women on Democratic policy, calling them the driving force behind destructive cultural and political trends.

The conversation shifts to economic migration and the future of financial hubs, citing predictions that Miami and South Florida could replace New York as America’s financial capital, while tech billionaires flock to Texas. Clay and Buck attribute this to post-COVID remote work flexibility and tax advantages in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, contrasting these environments with high-tax states such as New York and California. They warn that as wealthy residents flee, blue states will raise taxes further, accelerating the exodus.

On foreign policy, the hour features an in-depth interview with Congressman Chip Roy, who praises President Trump’s bold leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Roy explains the strategic importance of stabilizing Venezuela, restoring its oil production, and preventing resources from flowing to adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. He emphasizes that this is not “nation-building” but a critical move to secure the Western Hemisphere under the Trump Doctrine, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and protect national security. Roy also warns of challenges ahead, including corruption within Venezuela’s regime, and stresses the need for strong rule of law and economic recovery.

The discussion then pivots to the Somali daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, which has rocked Governor Tim Walz’s political career. Clay and Buck play audio from Walz’s defiant press conference, where he vows not to resign despite mounting evidence of billions in fraudulent welfare payments. Roy underscores how grassroots investigations—like the viral exposé by a 23-year-old YouTuber—are filling the void left by legacy media, signaling a new era of citizen journalism and accountability. He calls for aggressive federal prosecutions, noting that fraud tied to federal funds warrants U.S. attorney involvement, and predicts that heads will roll as investigations expand nationwide.

Hour 3 closes with sharp cultural commentary, humorous banter about movie Easter eggs (Dumb and Dumber references), and reflections on the importance of codifying Trump’s border security policies to prevent future reversals. Clay and Buck frame these stories as part of a larger battle for America’s future—against socialism, corruption, and media bias—while celebrating the rise of independent voices and decisive leadership.

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The Trump administration kicks off the new year with a massive foreign policy move in Venezuela, seizing Nicolás Maduro and sending a shockwave through the region and beyond. Buck is joined by Steve Yates of the Heritage Foundation to break down what comes next, why this operation is fundamentally different from past U.S. interventions, and how adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are likely interpreting the message. They also discuss the implications for Cuba, Latin America, global energy markets, and what this signals about America’s willingness to exert power closer to home.

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The Trump administration kicks off the new year with a massive foreign policy move in Venezuela, seizing Nicolás Maduro and sending a shockwave through the region and beyond. Buck is joined by Steve Yates of the Heritage Foundation to break down what comes next, why this operation is fundamentally different from past U.S. interventions, and how adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran are likely interpreting the message. They also discuss the implications for Cuba, Latin America, global energy markets, and what this signals about America’s willingness to exert power closer to home.

Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! 

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In this episode of Wellness Unmasked, Dr. Nicole Saphier examines the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Venezuela through a medical and public health lens. She breaks down how political collapse has led to widespread shortages of medicine, food, and basic healthcare, putting millions of lives at risk. Dr. Saphier also discusses the health consequences of mass migration, the strain on regional healthcare systems, and why the United States and the international community play a critical role in Venezuela’s recovery. From rebuilding health infrastructure to restoring access to essential care, this episode explores what meaningful humanitarian leadership should look like—and why it matters.

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In this episode, Mary Katharine and Karol kick off the New Year with personal reflections and resolutions before diving into one of the most consequential foreign policy developments of the moment: President Trump’s bold move to apprehend Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro. They analyze the implications of Maduro’s capture, the legal questions surrounding the operation, and the explosive reaction from Venezuelans on social media.

The conversation then turns to a massive childcare fraud scandal in Minnesota, raising serious concerns about government accountability and taxpayer dollars. To close, they examine a growing shift in academia away from political activism in the classroom and the ongoing struggle of San Francisco leaders to confront rising crime. A wide-ranging, news-driven discussion to start the year.

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Welcome to 2026!

Clay and Buck break down the historic Delta Force raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, comparing its complexity to the Osama bin Laden mission. They detail how elite U.S. special operations forces executed a flawless plan involving cyber warfare, blackout tactics, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, and intelligence precision—resulting in zero American casualties. The hosts emphasize the strategic implications for the Western Hemisphere, noting ripple effects on Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, and how this bold move reinforces President Trump’s “mess around and find out” foreign policy.

Tim Walz Steps Down

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection following a viral investigation into massive Somali daycare fraud. A 23-year-old YouTuber exposed empty storefronts posing as childcare centers, siphoning off millions in taxpayer funds. Clay and Buck detail how this scandal could involve up to $9 billion in fraudulent payments, nearly the GDP of Somalia, and note that over 100 indictments have already been filed. They question why U.S. taxpayers fund childcare for welfare recipients, arguing the program itself invites abuse. The segment explores cultural factors behind the fraud, the political fallout for Walz, and the growing power of independent media to topple entrenched politicians.

That Didn't Age Well, Chuck

The discussion explores Maduro’s arraignment in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela post-Maduro, and contrasts Trump’s decisive action with prior Democratic administrations. Clay and Buck highlight the hypocrisy of critics like Chuck Schumer and newly elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the operation as “regime change,” sparking debate over international law and U.S. national security priorities.

Operation Absolute Resolve

David Rutherford (aka Rut) former Navy SEAL and host on the Clay & Buck Podcast Network. Rutherford calls the Maduro operation “one of the top five best ops ever,” detailing the complexity, flawless coordination, and elite performance of JSOC units, Delta Force, and the 160th SOAR pilots. He compares the raid’s scale and sophistication to the Osama bin Laden mission, arguing that this operation was even more impressive. Rutherford emphasizes its global implications, warning cartels and hostile regimes that America is “done playing games” and projecting power with precision. He predicts increased operational tempo against Mexican cartels and underscores how this mission reshapes global power dynamics.

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The first hour of today’s show kicks off 2026 with explosive news and in-depth analysis of one of the most daring U.S. military operations in decades. Clay and Buck break down the historic Delta Force raid that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, comparing its complexity to the Osama bin Laden mission. They detail how elite U.S. special operations forces executed a flawless plan involving cyber warfare, blackout tactics, rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, and intelligence precision—resulting in zero American casualties. The hosts emphasize the strategic implications for the Western Hemisphere, noting ripple effects on Russia, China, Cuba, and Iran, and how this bold move reinforces President Trump’s “mess around and find out” foreign policy.

The discussion explores Maduro’s arraignment in Manhattan federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges, the future of Venezuela post-Maduro, and contrasts Trump’s decisive action with prior Democratic administrations. Clay and Buck highlight the hypocrisy of critics like Chuck Schumer and newly elected NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who condemned the operation as “regime change,” sparking debate over international law and U.S. national security priorities.

Listeners also hear about the collapse of Cuba’s oil lifeline, Venezuela’s economic freefall under socialism, and the potential for renewed prosperity in Latin America. The hosts underscore Venezuela’s former status as the third wealthiest nation in the Western Hemisphere and how socialist policies destroyed its oil production—from 3 million barrels per day to barely 1 million. They connect this to broader themes of communism’s failures, refugee realities, and the overwhelming support among Venezuelan-Americans for Maduro’s removal.

Hour 1 also touches on major domestic wins: the largest one-year drop in U.S. homicide rates, Trump-era economic momentum with 4.3% GDP growth, falling inflation, and lower interest rates. The segment closes with speculation on the Monroe Doctrine’s modern relevance and what this bold foreign policy means for America’s role in global stability.

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Hour 2 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show dives into two major breaking stories shaping U.S. politics and foreign policy. The hour opens with analysis of the dramatic Delta Force raid in Venezuela that captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who have pled not guilty in a New York courtroom. Clay and Buck frame this operation as a modern extension of the Monroe Doctrine, dubbing it the “Donrow Doctrine,” emphasizing America’s strategic imperative to dominate the Western Hemisphere and block Chinese and Russian influence. They contrast Venezuela with Iraq, arguing that the situations are vastly different—no sectarian complexities, no jihadist backlash, and no plans for nation-building. Instead, the Trump administration’s decisive move signals an “America First” approach to security and energy, with backchannel negotiations suggesting Venezuela’s vice president may cooperate to boost oil production.

The hosts also spotlight the tactical brilliance of the raid, comparing it to the Bin Laden mission. They praise Trump’s national security team—including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, and Stephen Miller—for executing a high-risk operation without American casualties. Clay and Buck slam critics who invoke “international law” or predict catastrophe, noting similar failed predictions after Trump’s strike on Soleimani and Iran’s nuclear facilities. They also mock media figures like Margaret Brennan for questioning why the entire Maduro regime wasn’t removed, calling such criticism “absurd” given the complexity of the mission.

Shifting gears, Hour 2 tackles explosive domestic news: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announces he will not seek reelection following a viral investigation into massive Somali daycare fraud. A 23-year-old YouTuber exposed empty storefronts posing as childcare centers, siphoning off millions in taxpayer funds. Clay and Buck detail how this scandal could involve up to $9 billion in fraudulent payments, nearly the GDP of Somalia, and note that over 100 indictments have already been filed. They question why U.S. taxpayers fund childcare for welfare recipients, arguing the program itself invites abuse. The segment explores cultural factors behind the fraud, the political fallout for Walz, and the growing power of independent media to topple entrenched politicians.

Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8

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