Thoughts on the Trump presidency

[Bayum]

Say what now?

Well. He’s given her his blessing. For now.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Jan 2026 ==

‘Her comments contradicted earlier remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said Rodriguez had been "sworn in" as president…’
https://www.reuters.com/world/ameri...o-could-replace-venezuelas-maduro-2026-01-03/

Venezuelans wonder who's in charge as Trump claims contact with Maduro's deputy

Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president, is someone the Trump administration apparently is willing to work with, at least for now.

www.cnbc.com

Who is Venezuela’s interim leader? Trump says ‘gracious’ Rodriguez has no choice but to allow U.S. to run Venezuela

During a news conference on Saturday in Palm Beach, after the U.S. military had captured Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores, President Donald Trump said “a group of people” were running Venezuela and Maduro’s vice president was “quite gracious” because “she really” didn’t have a choice.

www.local10.com

 

[najaB]

If you take out the dictator and they're replaced by their presumably hand-chosen second in charge is it really regime change?

Am I surprised that DJT can't even do American imperialism right? No.

 

[DerekC]

It occurs to me that Trump is the ultimate example of "All the Gear, No Idea!" And given that the gear includes the ultimate in armed forces, that's more than a bit worrying.

 

[nw1]

It occurs to me that Trump is the ultimate example of "All the Gear, No Idea!" And given that the gear includes the ultimate in armed forces, that's more than a bit worrying.

Presumably he singlehandedly would not be able to do that. He'd require agreement from all manner of generals and even the most sycophantic general would prefer dismissal for disobeying orders to annihilation.

In fact if he ordered that, he'd probably be removed by force because he'd be clearly insane.

 

[DerekC]

Presumably he singlehandedly would not be able to do that. He'd require agreement from all manner of generals and even the most sycophantic general would prefer dismissal for disobeying orders to annihilation.

In fact if he ordered that, he'd probably be removed by force because he'd be clearly insane.

My worry isn't about Trump initiating nuclear annihilation - I don't think Trump is mad enough for that and even if he was, as you say the generals wouldn't do it. It's that he has discovered that he can deploy an enormous amount of very capable conventional force with which he can achieve anything that doesn't cost US lives or upset Russia or China too much. But he has no idea how to act constructively and cooperatively to achieve long term solutions, because he has never had to think like that. So he is going to cause increasing chaos. You can see that in Iran and Israel/Gaza. He thinks that waving a big stick and occasionally hitting a country over the head with it is a solution.

 

[Annetts key]

My worry isn't about Trump initiating nuclear annihilation - I don't think Trump is mad enough for that and even if he was, as you say the generals wouldn't do it. It's that he has discovered that he can deploy an enormous amount of very capable conventional force with which he can achieve anything that doesn't cost US lives or upset Russia or China too much. But he has no idea how to act constructively and cooperatively to achieve long term solutions, because he has never had to think like that. So he is going to cause increasing chaos. You can see that in Iran and Israel/Gaza. He thinks that waving a big stick and occasionally hitting a country over the head with it is a solution.

And as his suspected dementia gets worse, his memory and judgement will get worse. It will become harder to reason with him. And he will be increasingly controlled by his emotions. Frustration will increasingly result in anger. That's when it gets really dangerous.

 

[brad465]

And as his suspected dementia gets worse, his memory and judgement will get worse. It will become harder to reason with him. And he will be increasingly controlled by his emotions. Frustration will increasingly result in anger. That's when it gets really dangerous.

A lot of what the US administration is doing is not ultimately Trump, it's several shady groups pulling the strings who are more mentally sound and dangerous than he is. All they need to do is produce the plans, then give them to Trump along with a "peace prize" award and it's happening.

 

[Gloster]

A lot of what the US administration is doing is not ultimately Trump, it's several shady groups pulling the strings who are more mentally sound and dangerous than he is. All they need to do is produce the plans, then give them to Trump along with a "peace prize" award and it's happening.

Agreed. It is often his handlers who are carefully priming him to do what they want, which sometimes agrees with his natural instincts and sometimes can be made to appear (to him) to be to his advantage. They seem mostly to fall into two groups: the most obvious are those who just worship mammon and are aiming to get the US to grab resources, such as oil and rare minerals, which will then fall into their hands or those of their cronies. The other group, which is a bit more subtle, has a fundamentalist Christian agenda and is aiming to push this into non-Christian, particularly Muslim, countries. The latter is possibly even more dangerous in the long run.

 

[OhNoAPacer]

Some of the MAGA crowd are starting to urge an invasion of Greenland.

In reality the probable next place to receive unwanted military ordinance is Iran.

 

[EYFanatic]

Some of the MAGA crowd are starting to urge an invasion of Greenland.

I don't think that Trump would be quite so idiotic to do that... If so, it would be interesting to see Article 5 used against one of the founding members of NATO

 

[DerekC]

I don't think that Trump would be quite so idiotic to do that... If so, it would be interesting to see Article 5 used against one of the founding members of NATO

I wish I thought you were right. The population of Greenland is about 60,000. The Europeans would huff and puff but couldn't and wouldn't do anything about it. So the US leaves NATO? Who's got a big smile on his face? Putin. However I do think that Iran will be next - and what happens after that probably depends on what happens in the Middle East and whether Trump's Venezuela exploit succeeds in installing a Trump brown noser as President there. If it all goes tits up (sorry, is that acceptable?) the orange man-baby will have other things than Greenland on his mind.

 

[weeklycommuter]

The RMT aren't happy about it....

RMT statement on US military attack against Venezuela

General secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We condemn the illegal military attack carried out by the United States of America on Venezuela which resulted in President Maduro being kidnapped by US special forces.

www.rmt.org.uk

3 January 2026
RMT Press Office:
General secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “We condemn the illegal military attack carried out by the United States of America on Venezuela which resulted in President Maduro being kidnapped by US special forces.
“In accordance with international law and respect for sovereign nations, the UK Government must demand the immediate cessation of military hostilities towards Venezuela and the return of its President.

This is the response from the British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer. The RMT has no influence whatsoever on the Labour Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, the Labour Government and frankly the Labour Party from which the RMT disaffiliated in 2004.

Venezuela continues to claim large parts of Guyana so Venezuela is really not in a position to lecture anyone about imperialism.

PM statement on Venezuela: 3 January 2026

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on Venezuela.

www.gov.uk

Press release
PM statement on Venezuela: 3 January 2026
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement on Venezuela.
From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP
Published 3 January 2026
The UK has long supported a transition of power in Venezuela. We regarded Maduro as an illegitimate President and we shed no tears about the end of his regime.
I reiterated my support for international law this morning. The UK government will discuss the evolving situation with US counterparts in the days ahead as we seek a safe and peaceful transition to a legitimate government that reflects the will of the Venezuelan people.

 

[Gloster]

This is the response from the British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer. The RMT has no influence whatsoever on the Labour Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, the Labour Government and frankly the Labour Party from which the RMT disaffiliated in 2004.

Venezuela continues to claim large parts of Guyana so Venezuela is really not in a position to lecture anyone about imperialism.

So tacitly backing Trump. Whatever one may think of Maduro, the invasion and planned regime change, for that is what it is, of a country that is not threatening the US is a far more serious matter.

 

[weeklycommuter]

So tacitly backing Trump. Whatever one may think of Maduro, the invasion and planned regime change, for that is what it is, of a country that is not threatening the US is a far more serious matter.

The USA did the same in Grenada in 1983 and Panama in 1989 so whatever the view of this sort of action by the USA there is nothing new about the USA doing this.

 

[jon0844]

Some of the MAGA crowd are starting to urge an invasion of Greenland.

In reality the probable next place to receive unwanted military ordinance is Iran.

Stephen Miller's wife (Katie) posted this image on X earlier.

(Image shows Greenland filled in with the USA flag).

As others have said, I wouldn't be surprised to see the USA take it over and 'challenge' Denmark to do anything. What have they got to lose at this point? They ignore all laws anyway.

 

[styles]

Really does make you take the whole WWIII rhetoric seriously. Homeland Security Advisor's wife resurfacing the suggestion of invading Greenland. Trump taking over Venezuela with seemingly no backing in international law. Increasing aggression from Russia in western European countries.

 

[Gloster]

Isn’t Katie Miller now working for Musk? So who does she represent?

 

[styles]

Isn’t Katie Miller now working for Musk? So who does she represent?

I suspect Musk and Trump still agree on a lot more than they disagree on.

On this specifically: https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1876664245305438469?lang=en

If the people of Greenland want to be part of America, which I hope they do, they would be most welcome!

 

[EYFanatic]

The USA did the same in Grenada in 1983

Amusing fact there being that the US had launched an armed invasion of a commonwealth nation which Her Late Majesty Queen Elizebeth II was the head of... Yes, Prime Minister later spoofed this

 

[martin butler]

I can see this all going wrong for the US, not now, but in the future, Let's assume the US, does indeed invade Greenland, a country that's allied to another NATO country, this action alone will see the US thrown out of Nato, and lose any influence it has worldwide,

The countries that Trump admires, such as Russia, start to lose both in Ukraine, and economically, Europe enters a new era of European strength, including Ukraine, Russia breaks apart, there's no markets for the US to manipulate, but European firms can, and do, US no longer have a European presence, no arms deal with European nations, so enters a depression, Americans go hungry US firms go broke, but this time, there's no allies to turn to, no bases, Some states could even leave the union. Trump is reckless enough to condemn the US of endless civil wars, where people don't want to be ruled by america, or anyone.

 

[Annetts key]

This is the response from the British Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer. The RMT has no influence whatsoever on the Labour Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer, the Labour Government and frankly the Labour Party from which the RMT disaffiliated in 2004.

That's not correct. The RMT cooperates with MPs where both have the same policies or that agree to help with RMT policies or interests in parliament. As this has included non-Labour MPs in the past, Labour now refuses to let the RMT affiliate.

The influence that the RMT has depends on how many MPs support the policies or views of the RMT.

The RMT is also not the only union to have views on international issues. Many U.K unions have communications with unions in other countries. In some countries, union officials, representatives or members get persecuted by authorities.

Whatever you think of the RMT, it doesn't change the fact that the U.S.A. ignores international laws when it suits them. Then when another country does the same, they cry foul. The Americans are full of double standards.

And the current American administration as well as the current President have already been found guilty of breaking U.S.A. laws.

That doesn't mean that I think Maduro should be returned and allowed to return to power. He is a nasty piece of work that should indeed be in jail.

So tacitly backing Trump. Whatever one may think of Maduro, the invasion and planned regime change, for that is what it is, of a country that is not threatening the US is a far more serious matter.

Yes, this threatens the international rule of law far more than what Russia has done. It makes more wars far more likely.

The USA did the same in Grenada in 1983 and Panama in 1989 so whatever the view of this sort of action by the USA there is nothing new about the USA doing this.

That doesn't make it right. And the circumstances are different.

I can see this all going wrong for the US, not now, but in the future, Let's assume the US, does indeed invade Greenland, a country that's allied to another NATO country, this action alone will see the US thrown out of Nato, and lose any influence it has worldwide,

The countries that Trump admires, such as Russia, start to lose both in Ukraine, and economically, Europe enters a new era of European strength, including Ukraine, Russia breaks apart, there's no markets for the US to manipulate, but European firms can, and do, US no longer have a European presence, no arms deal with European nations, so enters a depression, Americans go hungry US firms go broke, but this time, there's no allies to turn to, no bases, Some states could even leave the union. Trump is reckless enough to condemn the US of endless civil wars, where people don't want to be ruled by america, or anyone.

Worse than that, one of the reasons that the U.S.A. has remained powerful is that most trade in oil and related products is priced and traded in the U.S. dollar.

Going forward, why would countries continue trading in the U.S. dollar? Especially with the price of crude oil being at the lowest level for many years. It's debatable if some of the U.S. oil wells are actually making any significant profit at the current price.

If European countries turn away from the U.S.A. they will not only discontinue buying American military hardware and supplies for that hardware, but with the increasing move to renewable energy (and maybe more nuclear power stations) for both climate reasons and energy independence reasons, this may threaten the long term price of oil. And with less oil being traded and it being traded in currencies other than the dollar, that will hurt the U.S.A.

 

[Bevan Price]

Venezuela may be better off with Masuro, but kidnapping him was not a good idea. What concerns me more is the way that in the Saturday press conference, Trump ranbled on and on, repeating himself several times. That can be an early sign of muddled thinking - or worse. I hope I am wrong, as the consequences could be dangerous for the World.

 

[Peter Mugridge]

What would be the consequences if Trump were to attempt to seize that oil tanker ( the Bella 1 ) which is currently roughly 500 miles west of Ireland and is attracting a lot of US military flight attention today?

 

[brad465]

I can see this all going wrong for the US, not now, but in the future, Let's assume the US, does indeed invade Greenland, a country that's allied to another NATO country, this action alone will see the US thrown out of Nato, and lose any influence it has worldwide,

The countries that Trump admires, such as Russia, start to lose both in Ukraine, and economically, Europe enters a new era of European strength, including Ukraine, Russia breaks apart, there's no markets for the US to manipulate, but European firms can, and do, US no longer have a European presence, no arms deal with European nations, so enters a depression, Americans go hungry US firms go broke, but this time, there's no allies to turn to, no bases, Some states could even leave the union. Trump is reckless enough to condemn the US of endless civil wars, where people don't want to be ruled by america, or anyone.

If this action causes China to invade Taiwan, then this will well and truly trash Trump, and by default the US, forever, for two reasons: firstly, because Taiwan's chip industry is powering the US economy right now; AI is the major factor maintaining their GDP growth, an invasion will see that industry mothballed/destroyed/controlled by China, which will trash the US economy. Second, because of the first point, the US will have to support Taiwan militarily, which means the US and China go into direct conflict, which as two major powers is automatically WW3, something that will forever destroy the "anti-war" tag by Trump's name.

 

[Gloster]

If this action causes China to invade Taiwan, then this will well and truly trash Trump, and by default the US, forever, for two reasons: firstly, because Taiwan's chip industry is powering the US economy right now; AI is the major factor maintaining their GDP growth, an invasion will see that industry mothballed/destroyed/controlled by China, which will trash the US economy. Second, because of the first point, the US will have to support Taiwan militarily, which means the US and China go into direct conflict, which as two major powers is automatically WW3, something that will forever destroy the "anti-war" tag by Trump's name.

But would he go to war? The Chinese are smart enough to offer him some sort of special deal which his greedy little hands would grasp without hesitation. It would be promoted as great deal for American business and Trump will see it as yet another victorious peace for him. What the long-term outcome for the majority of the American people and the short-term one for the Taiwanese might be won’t matter to him and his handlers.

 

[Tester]

But would he go to war? The Chinese are smart enough to offer him some sort of special deal which his greedy little hands would grasp without hesitation. It would be promoted as great deal for American business and Trump will see it as yet another victorious peace for him. What the long-term outcome for the majority of the American people and the short-term one for the Taiwanese might be won’t matter to him and his handlers.

The Chinese aren't in control of whether Taiwanese chip manufacturing will be available to them.

 

[najaB]

The Chinese aren't in control of whether Taiwanese chip manufacturing will be available to them.

Indeed. The current Taiwanese planning is to put the foundries out of commission if the island is overrun by Chinese forces.

 

[Gloster]

All true, but there are strong suspicions that China has a considerable of sleeper agents in Taiwan. If they are activated at the same time as an invasion, they could probably prevent a fair proportion of the destruction. If China has agreed that the US will get as much of the production of the undamaged facilities as possible at the expense of other users, do you think that the US would refuse if they thought that the amount they received would put them (the US or Trump’s cronies, take your pick) in a favourable position.

And then, if the industry was crippled, would Trump’s US think it worthwhile fighting for Taiwan? China has had decades to plan and has very good sources of information.

 

[Tester]

All true, but there are strong suspicions that China has a considerable of sleeper agents in Taiwan. If they are activated at the same time as an invasion, they could probably prevent a fair proportion of the destruction. If China has agreed that the US will get as much of the production of the undamaged facilities as possible at the expense of other users, do you think that the US would refuse if they thought that the amount they received would put them (the US or Trump’s cronies, take your pick) in a favourable position.

And then, if the industry was crippled, would Trump’s US think it worthwhile fighting for Taiwan? China has had decades to plan and has very good sources of information.

In summary, it's complicated.

Which is why having someone simple in charge is somewhat sub-optimal.

 

[Gloster]

In summary, it's complicated.

Which is why having someone simple in charge is somewhat sub-optimal.

With both those comments I am entirely in agreement.