The Morning Report — 1/7/26

Good morning kids. The removal of Maduro from Venezuela certainly has our enemies and rivals around the globe siting up and taking notice. I would hope that both the President and his national security and foreign policy team including Hegseth and Rubio would have gamed out the aftermath of who would step into the breach to fill the void once we had taken down Maduro. While it's great that the Venezuelan people are cheering his removal, there is still this to contend with

Plain-clothes gunmen deployed by Venezuela’s leaders are walking the streets and stopping vehicles as they crack down on dissent and pro-American sentiment in the wake of the capture of dictator Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. The paramilitary members, known as Colectivos, were out in full force on Tuesday as the pro-Maduro regime seeks to maintain control of the country following the surprise U.S. strikes over the weekend, The Guardian reported. Men armed with rifles set up checkpoints in the capital city of Caracas, where they stopped drivers to search their vehicles, phones, and personal belongings, looking for any evidence of support for the United States capturing Maduro, according to The Telegraph. Police, meanwhile, were instructed to “immediately begin the national search and capture of everyone involved in the promotion or support for the armed attack by the United States.”

For better or worse, it will be up to the interim leader of Venezuela to disarm these militias assuming that he or she has the power and support of the nation's armed forces that until last weekend were under the control of Maduro and quite likely are still loyal to him. So, we now own this mess.

A classified U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that top figures within Nicolás Maduro’s regime would be best positioned to maintain short-term stability in Venezuela in the immediate aftermath of the dictator’s removal, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analysis, which was briefed to President Donald Trump and shared with a small circle of senior administration officials, reportedly shaped Trump’s decision to back Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, rather than opposition leader María Corina Machado as an interim leader, WSJ reported. “I think it would be very tough for her to be the leader if she doesn’t have the support within, or the respect within the country,” Trump said during a Saturday press conference after U.S. forces captured Maduro to face federal narco-terrorism charges in New York. “She’s a very nice woman, but she doesn’t have the respect.” (RELATED: Venezuelan Oil Could Make America ‘Master Of The Hemisphere’ If Trump’s Domination Continues)
Trump concluded that Venezuela’s short-term stability would depend on whether the next leader retained the loyalty of the country’s military and ruling elites, according to people familiar with the intelligence review cited by the outlet. Senior administration officials commissioned the CIA to analyze day-after scenarios amid internal debates over how Venezuela might be governed if Maduro were removed. While the report did not recommend regime change or speculate on how Maduro might lose power, it evaluated who could maintain order if that outcome occurred, WSJ reported.

So, if all we did here was a little bit of Titanic deck chair rearrangement on the Lido Deck, then have we really accomplished anything? If we're concerned about maintaining the support of the military and ruling elites then I fear the question is rhetorical. Rodriguez has made some very nice pronouncements of looking forward to working with President Trump and forging a new relationship, for whatever that's worth.

Meanwhile, halfway across the globe this is happening to one of Maduro's biggest backers and boosters, Iran. While the usual thugs in the IRGC and others are cracking down on the protesters and there have been reports of the Mullahs getting set to take it on the lam to Russia, here's a little bit of encouraging news:

The Iranian Police in Ilam have now joined the revolution. People are seen celebrating as police officers have put down their weapons and are cheering on the protestors.

While the combined Israeli and USAF strike that took out the Iranian nuclear weapons sites as well as the collapsing Iranian currency and a catastrophic water crisis among the dissatisfaction with the regime that has been brewing for years might at long last bring it down. Of course considering the power of Iran's IRGC and that since 1979 it has become among the most repressive security states on the planet, to expect them to just give up power, especially to any non-Islamic forces of moderation, modernity and more western/secular oriented parties is wish-casting in the extreme.

I hope and pray that the Persian and the Venezuelan people can somehow wrest control of their respective governments and prevent a collapsing of their societies back into tyranny and despotism. I certainly also hope we have a plan to help them that does not include the kind of intervention and adventurism that were the hallmarks of the disastrous globalist fever dream of Democracy Projects and nation-building.

Closer to home, President Trump is looking ahead to the midterms, and with the sudden passing of California GOP congressman Doug LaMalfa at age 65, the GOP's House majority got that much slimmer, putting the MAGA legislative agenda in jeopardy. But that said, This is kind of disappointing.

The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion. Trump told GOP House members during the retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Center that they should work to take the issue of health care away from Democrats. “We don’t have that as one of our issues. It’s the only thing they have. They’re lousy at it. They came up with Obamacare. We tried to fight it. We almost had it won, but we didn’t get three votes,” he said.

Well, since when is infanticide "healthcare?" Yeah, I get it, healthcare and this "affordability" madness is an albatross being hung around the GOP's neck by the Dems and their propagandist cheerleaders. And I do agree about Obamacare, but certainly the Hyde Amendment and abortion in general must be be non-starters, or am I missing something?

Have a great day.

And lastly, a quick shout-out and a huge thank you for your continued support in hitting our tip jar. It truly is appreciated more than you can know.

ABOVE THE FOLD, BREAKING, NOTEWORTHY LINKS
• With all due respect to the 20% of eligible New York voters who cast their ballots for Mamdani, the adults need to step in and remove him.
  The Case For Stripping Mamdani’s Citizenship

MADURO TAKEN DOWN
• A Venezuela-linked oil tanker operating in the so-called “dark fleet” painted a Russian flag on its hull, changed its name, and reflagged to Russia in an apparent bid to evade the US Coast Guard, according to reports. The vessel has since been spotted off Ireland, with the US, UK, France and Ireland reportedly conducting aerial surveillance after it escaped US interception in December, The Times reported.
  Venezuelan ‘dark fleet’ tanker evades US Coast Guard as Russia sends submarine to escort vessel: reports
  
• Men armed with rifles set up checkpoints in Caracas, where they stopped drivers to search their vehicles, phones, and personal belongings.
  Pro-Maduro Militias Crack Down On Dissent, Search For Supporters Of U.S. Raid

• The president’s actions have hundreds of years of precedent behind them.
  Yes, Trump’s Venezuela Moves Are Legal

• The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analysis, which was briefed to President Donald Trump and shared with a small circle of senior administration officials, reportedly shaped Trump’s decision to back Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, rather than opposition leader María Corina Machado as an interim leader, WSJ reported.
  Trump Kept Venezuela Under Maduro Loyalists After CIA Flagged Opposition Risks: REPORT
  
• Less than 10 percent of Republicans oppose ousting of Maduro, Washington Post survey finds
  'There Is No Rift in the Republican Party': GOP Voters Back Trump's Venezuela Operation, Polls Show
  
• China is not a random foe whose front row seat to the Maduro Disappearing Act, feeling the loin-quaking rotor wash of the 160th SOAR's MH-47G Chinooks, is simply a convenient bonus for us, although that would be enough.
  Trump's removal of Maduro is a major blow to China
  
• American military power should be used to secure and safeguard American interests. That’s what happened in Caracas.
  The Venezuela Raid Was A Win For America First Anti-Interventionism
  
• It is hard to imagine a greater foreign policy victory for our homeland than what we just witnessed over the last few days.
  The America First actions in Venezuela strengthen Appalachia
  
• With the arrest of Venezuela's dictator Nicolás Maduro, the U.S. positions itself as a decisive player in the global energy market.
  With Maduro Arrest, U.S. Lands a Heavy Blow
  
• “I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately,” Trump added. “It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States.”
  Trump: Venezuela to Turn over 30-50 Million Barrels of Oil to U.S.
  
• So, here is what I can tell you about what's next for Venezuela: No one outside the White House knows. I don't know. You don't know. The loudest reporters, anchors, and pundits in the rest of the media don’t know — even the ones with the fancy anonymous sources who claim to be insiders, even the ones with the big names who get all the attention. None of them know. I'd also be willing to bet that inside the White House, they don't know exactly because extracting a complex and corrupt authoritarian regime that's been embedded for nearly three decades isn't a predictable operation and certainly not something that happens overnight. I'm sure there's an action for every predictable reaction planned, and Donald Trump is bold enough and Rubio is smart enough to execute it.  
  What's REALLY Next for Venezuela and What the MSM Gets Wrong

• But not for the reason clueless protesters are crying/
  Yes, Cry for Venezuela

  CIVIL WAR 2.0, LEFTIST PERSECUTIONS, DEMOCRAT PUTSCH, AMERICAN DISSOLUTION

• And yes, the media is lying about it.
  Texas Teachers’ Union Sues in Defense of Teacher Who Called Charlie Kirk Murder “Karma”

  
  "DEMOCRAT/LEFTIST BORDER BLOODBATH," AMNESTY, IMMIGRATION, BORDER SECURITY, NEWSOM/DEMOCRAT VIOLENT INSURRECTION RIOTS

• “A recent video clearly raises concerns that they are not meeting our standards and values. As such, we are taking immediate action to remove this hotel from our systems.”
  Hilton Removing Minneapolis Hotel From System After Banning DHS Agents

  THE GREAT SOMALIAN SAMOLIAN SWINDLE

• Abukar Dahir Osman, the permanent representative of Somalia to the United Nations, is linked to a home healthcare agency in Cincinnati, Ohio, that was prosecuted for Medicaid fraud, officials with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have confirmed.
  Feds: Somalia’s Ambassador to United Nations Linked to Medicaid Fraud in Ohio

• . . . the only reason government executives ever let go of power that could easily be retained, if holding on to it is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, more likely to lead to personal, financial, reputational ruin.  Perhaps even jail — who knows how exposed he and his administration are.
  There’s Only One Reason Government Executives Abruptly Give Up Power

• The 44-year-old mastermind behind the Feeding our Future scandal, was found guilty in March on federal charges of wire fraud, bribery and conspiracy.
  Ringleader of $250 Million Minn. welfare fraud scandal ordered by judge to forfeit Porsche, luxury goods

• They play in your face and then call you the problem for noticing.
  What Separates Tim Walz From Other Democrats Is He Got Caught

• Human nature being human nature, there’s no foolproof system that stops government corruption. 
  Minnesotans Should Own Their Fraud

  
  DOMESTIC AFFAIRS, THE COURTS, WASTE/FRAUD/ABUSE

• As tax season nears, scandals from Minnesota to California expose a “Theft Industrial Complex” where billions meant for families instead enrich political allies and insiders.
  Three Examples of the “Theft Industrial Complex” in 2025

• A federal jury last month convicted Hannah Dugan of obstructing ICE agents attempting to arrest an illegal immigrant.
  Felon Milwaukee County Judge Resigns With Guaranteed Pension

• The announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny in multiple blue states over allegations of massive fraud involving government-funded programs, particularly child care/adult care centers in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Columbus, Ohio; and Seattle Washington.
  ‘More Corrupt Than Minnesota’: Trump Announces Federal Fraud Investigation into ‘Newscum’s’ California

  
  THE ECONOMY, STUPID

• Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s plan amounts to a series of expensive mandates that will drive costs higher.
  Why Virginia’s “Affordability” Policies Will Backfire

• Free markets are Nature’s way of satisfying both buyers and sellers. Artificial economics happens when politicians and bureaucrats screw around with this process in order to initiate behavior that would not normally happen. 
  Welcome to Artificial Economics 101

  
  CRIME & PUNISHMENT, NON-DOSTOYEVSKY

• Critics argue the diversion policy undermines accountability in a city where open drug use is already common.
  Police in This Dem City Are Being Told Not to Arrest Drug Abusers.

  
  FIRST AMENDMENT ISSUES, CENSORSHIP, FAKE NEWS, MEDIA, BIG BROTHER TECH

• The death of the media is closer than you think. 
  MSNSDAP Parent Company Shares Fall 15% on First Day of Trading

  
  RED-GREENS, CLIMATE CHANGE HOAX, DEMOCRAT-LEFT WAR ON FOSSIL FUELS,

• German police said responsibility for the attack was claimed in a letter attributed to a radical group known as the "Volcano Group."
  'Cut the juice to the ruling class': Far-left group attacks German power grid

  
  EDUCATION, AND WHAT PASSES FOR IT

• America’s schools won’t recover through more spending or slogans, but through a return to proven basics—clear instruction, firm discipline, accountable teaching, and classrooms focused on learning.
  Six Ways to Improve Schools
  
• Chris Papst’s new book investigating corruption in Baltimore schools, ‘Failure Factory,’ provides startling information on the depth of corruption in big city education.
  Uncovering Fraud And Failure In One Of America’s Large School Systems

• Matthew Guterl is known for his memoir 'Skinfolk' and enjoys 'writing about Neverland Ranch,' according to his university bio
  Brown University Taps DEI Official To Restore 'Sense of Physical Security' on Campus

  
  ABORTION

• The Hyde Amendment prohibits federal funds from being used for abortion. Trump told GOP House members during the retreat at the Trump-Kennedy Center that they should work to take the issue of health care away from Democrats. “We don’t have that as one of our issues. It’s the only thing they have. They’re lousy at it. They came up with Obamacare. We tried to fight it. We almost had it won, but we didn’t get three votes,” he said.
  Trump Tells House Republicans ‘to Be a Little Flexible’ on Hyde Amendment in Healthcare Reform Pitch (since when is infanticide healthcare, Mr. President?! - jjs)

  THE 2020 and SUBSEQUENT ELECTION HEISTS , SHENANIGANS/FRAUD and AFTERMATH

• Alabama started using the SAVE system after entering a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with USCIS to ensure the integrity of voter rolls.
  25 Noncitizens Voted In Alabama, Officials Find After Trump Gave States Access To Alien Database

  DEMOCRAT/LEFTIST AND RINO SCANDALS, MESHUGAS, CHUTZPOCRISY

• Office of Tenant Protection Director Cea Weaver’s mom, Celia Applegate, teaches German studies at Vanderbilt University and owns a pricey classic Craftsman home just south of the main strip in Nashville, Tennessee.
  Mom of Zohran Mamdani aide who said owning a home fuels ‘white supremacy’ has $1.6M house in Tennessee (Pfft, self gassing Commie corpse Bernie Sanders owns 6 multi-million dollar ski lodges in Vermont! - jjs)

• Hallie Shoffner spent years working as a left-wing activist. A since-scrubbed portion of her campaign site said the 'only thing' she 'ever wanted to do was farm.' (I'll bet she has a giant swastika tattoo on her left thigh next to Tweety Bird riding a Tiger Tank - jjs)
  She's Running for Senate in Arkansas as a Lifelong Farmer—After Hiring a Marketing Firm To Build a 'New Brand' as 'FarmHerHallie'

  POLITICS

  
  

• Supposedly the senator is seriously considering running for governor.
  Will Democrat Sen. Amy Klobuchar Run for Minnesota Governor?

  ISRAEL vs IRAN & GAZA/HAMAS . . . AND LEFTISTS

• The dire consequences.
  Trump’s Support of Turkish Forces in Gaza

  THE UKRAINIAN "FRONT"

• Following a meeting in Paris of American envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, European leaders, and top Ukrainian officials, British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a declaration of intent to deploy a multinational military force in Ukraine to enforce a potential ceasefire with Russia.
  UK and France Sign Declaration of Intent to Deploy Troops to Ukraine in Event of Ceasefire

  FOREIGN AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL

• Police officers put down their weapons and cheer on the protestors.
  Video: Iranian Police in Ilam Join Revolution

• Regime forces storm a hospital, search for wounded protesters. 
  Iran Anti-Regime Protests: Death Toll Climbs to 35 Amid Trump’s Warning Over Deadly Crackdown
  
• There's no other place for him.
  Iran Supreme Leader Planning His Escape to Moscow

• Just as the Trump administration offered indicted drug trafficker Nicolás Maduro a free ride to New York he couldn’t refuse, reports are emerging that another despot under American pressure is packing his bags for a one-way road trip.
  Michael Goodwin: Maduro’s arrival is the first domino to fall — and Khamenei fleeing Iran amid chaos could be next

• Trump team considering a range of options for acquiring a more robust relationship with Greenland, including a Compact of Free Association.
  Greenland, Denmark Press Rubio for Fast Meeting Over Trump’s Greenland Quest

  DEFENSE, MILITARY, SECURITY AFFAIRS

• ‘We’re setting new records at the War Department of historic recruitment of men and women wanting to join the ranks,’ said War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  Hegseth: America’s Military Is ‘Already Surpassing’ Last Year’s Recruiting Figures

  ACTUAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY

• This is one of the curses that astronomers live with. Things take a loooong time to unfold, often several generations. Thus Kepler might see this supernova when it erupts, but the explosion continues for many centuries.
  The growing X-ray shell of the 1604 Kepler supernova
  
• The uncertainty of science: Using the Webb Space Telescope, scientists now believe that the mysterious little red dots that Webb had previously detected in the early universe are actually supermassive stars, the predicted first stars to form after the Big Bang that also might produce the universe’s first black holes.
  Scientists: We think the little red dots in the early universe are supermassive stars

  CULTURE WARS, NATIONAL SUICIDE

• “I have a right to talk about those things,” Gervais continued. “And there are jokes I certainly stand by. I can’t look back and say, ‘Oh, sorry about that, I said that when I was only 50.'”
  Ricky Gervais Refuses to Apologize for His Viral Jokes About Transgender People: ‘I Think I’m Right’
  
• Christian Toto: Podcaster's blunt talk offers refreshing change from culture's status quo
  Why Adam Carolla’s Trump Kennedy Center Gigs Matter
  
• Men usually get the brunt of the fingerwagging about porn use. 
  Why Is No One Talking About The Female Porn Epidemic?

ALSO: The Morning Report cross-posts at CutJibNewsletter.com usually within an hour or so of posting here, if you want to continue the conversation all day.

And. . . PODCASTING NEWS: the Podcast feeds have been fixed so you can now listen to them on the RSS feed as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and of course directly at the CutJibNewsletter site. We also post a version on our Rumble channel within 12-24 hours of going live at the above.

Also, do follow us on X (Twitter): @CutJibNews

And my X (Twitter) account at: @therealJJSefton

and on Instagram: @Cutjibnewsletter

TIP JAR : Your support helps keep the lights on and is truly appreciated. Note: We are on Stripe, not PayPal.

posted by J.J. Sefton at 07:19 AM

| Access Comments