EPISODE · Jan 5, 2026 · 14 MIN
What it took to Capture Maduro | What the U.S. Does Next | Why Venezuelans Are Celebrating
from Patriot Switchboard · host Harlan Mercer
On January 3rd, 2026, the U.S. government executed Operation Absolute Resolve—an operation that ended with Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and Venezuela’s future suddenly wide open. In this episode of Patriot Switchboard, Harlan Mercer breaks down what actually happened, what it took to pull off an operation this complex, and why American intelligence and Special Operations remain the most capable force on earth.Then the focus shifts to the morning after: what America does next to prevent a power vacuum, stabilize the country, install a serious interim authority, and keep Venezuela from sliding into chaos or mission creep. Finally, we bring it back to the people who matter most—Venezuelans. Why the diaspora erupted in celebration, how families were scattered after Maduro took power in 2013, and why this moment feels like the first real chance in years to reunite, rebuild, and reclaim a normal life.If you want the straight story—what happened, what comes next, and why it matters for America, the region, and the Venezuelan people—this is the episode.
What this episode covers
On January 3rd, 2026, the U.S. government executed Operation Absolute Resolve—an operation that ended with Nicolás Maduro in U.S. custody and Venezuela’s future suddenly wide open. In this episode of Patriot Switchboard, Harlan Mercer breaks down what actually happened, what it took to pull off an operation this complex, and why American intelligence and Special Operations remain the most capable force on earth.Then the focus shifts to the morning after: what America does next to prevent a power vacuum, stabilize the country, install a serious interim authority, and keep Venezuela from sliding into chaos or mission creep. Finally, we bring it back to the people who matter most—Venezuelans. Why the diaspora erupted in celebration, how families were scattered after Maduro took power in 2013, and why this moment feels like the first real chance in years to reunite, rebuild, and reclaim a normal life.If you want the straight story—what happened, what comes next, and why it matters for America, the region, and the Venezuelan people—this is the episode.
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What it took to Capture Maduro | What the U.S. Does Next | Why Venezuelans Are Celebrating
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