Did Trump really rescue Venezuela?

In this episode, Tom Phillips, Latin America correspondent for The Guardian, reflects on his recent return to Venezuela four months after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro. He describes the stark contrast from his last visit, marked by turmoil and repression, to a scene seemingly filled with newfound optimism but underlined by trepidation. While ordinary Venezuelans are hopeful about a post-Maduro future, anxiety lingers as many political prisoners are still incarcerated, and the ruling power has shifted to Maduro’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, rather than leading to genuine democracy. Phillips shares experiences from interviews with locals, revealing their hardships, yet also showcasing the political activism that has reemerged. The episode navigates the complex dynamics of American intervention, the exploitation of Venezuelan oil, and the reality that despite the changes, many citizens continue to live in dire conditions. The talk ends on a note of skepticism regarding whether the perceived political opening can lead to real democratic reform or if it's merely an 'illusion.'