In early January, Paul Jacob discussed the Maduro capture story, noting its unconstitutionality and the likely political irrelevance of that unconstitutionality.
What has happened since then?
Well, a lot; or not much at all — depending on how you look at it!
- The capture and removal of the dictator led to an interim government, prisoner releases (hundreds since December, including at least 56 political prisoners and some U.S. citizens recently), and U.S. demands for further releases. [New York Times]
- The U.S. Senate (with Vice President J.D. Vance’s tie-breaking vote on January 14) blocked a resolution requiring congressional approval for further military actions in Venezuela. [CNN]
- A Department of Justice memo affirming the president’s constitutional authority for the operation. [Times Op. cit.]
- Opposition leader María Corina Machado met President Trump at the White House around January 16, presenting her Nobel Peace Prize medal to the American leader. [The Guardian]