Podcasts about pdvsa

In this episode of Breaking History, Matt Ehret and Ghost examine a rapidly unfolding global financial reckoning centered on Credit Suisse and the broader international banking system. The discussion traces newly revealed Nazi-linked accounts, money laundering pipelines, and the role of major banks in facilitating corruption, cartel financing, and illicit capital flows over decades. The conversation moves through historical context including Bretton Woods, the petrodollar system, and the weaponization of finance, before turning to modern developments involving sanctions, currency manipulation, and intelligence-linked financial networks. Particular attention is given to investigations involving PDVSA, international drug trafficking finance, and the exposure of banking structures operating beyond national oversight. Throughout the episode, Matt and Ghost emphasize continuity between past and present financial power structures, highlighting how moral collapse in finance disconnects economies from real production and public accountability. The result is a wide-ranging, historically grounded analysis of how global banking functions as a tool of control, and why its unraveling appears to be accelerating.

Persiste el invierno en España, salvo Canarias, con lluvias, nieve y viento fuerte, manteniéndose la situación. El Gobierno sube el SMI a 1.221€ (2026) por decreto y sin apoyo patronal, que lo califica de "trampa" por los costes. Funeral solemne por 45 víctimas del accidente ferroviario de Adamuz; el obispo reclama verdad y justicia, mientras una hija denuncia la polarización y la ausencia del presidente Sánchez. Óscar Puente comparece solo en el Senado, afrontando peticiones de dimisión. El caso Koldo avanza: Víctor de Aldama declara que Delcy Rodríguez le entregó un sobre con documentos que vinculan a PDVSA con presunta financiación ilegal del PSOE. En internacional: Trump cambia su postura en Minneapolis, enviando a Tom Hohmann para controlar ICE. La UE declara grupo terrorista a la Guardia Revolucionaria iraní, imponiendo sanciones. El río Guadalete se desborda en Jerez. Se debate la regularización de medio millón de inmigrantes. La compra de vivienda en España se dificulta, ...

Alcaraz juega una épica semifinal en el Open de Australia contra Zverev, luchando lesionado y con calambres en el quinto set. El IPC de enero baja 0.5 puntos al 2.4% interanual (mayor caída desde marzo 2023) gracias a la energía. La subyacente se mantiene en 2.6%. El INE estima un crecimiento del 2.8% para 2025, inferior al Gobierno. Pedro Sánchez y Óscar Puente son criticados por su ausencia en el funeral del accidente de Huelva. Puente también por comentarios. PP y Junts piden su dimisión por gestión ferroviaria. Víctor de Aldama declara sobre presunta financiación ilegal de PSOE/Internacional Socialista vía PDVSA. Se menciona mediación de Zapatero en rescate de Plus Ultra. Yolanda Díaz acuerda con sindicatos subir el SMI a 1221 euros por real decreto, sin la patronal. Dudas sobre exención de IRPF y productividad. Antonio Maíllo (IU) critica un debate y defiende actualizar SUMAR para reconectar con votantes, sugiriendo reconsiderar liderazgo. Niega similitud de SUMAR con PSOE ...

Funerales multitudinarios en Huelva (con Reyes y 5000 asistentes) y Madrid por las víctimas del accidente de tren de Alamuz; el obispo de Huelva exige esclarecer las causas. El ministro de Transportes, Oscar Puente, comparece en el Senado defendiendo su gestión, mientras la oposición (PP, Vox, Junts, Esquerra) pide su dimisión. La borrasca Christine golpea Galicia con alerta roja por olas, y en Andalucía preocupa el desbordamiento de ríos, sumando más de 3200 incidencias. Un montañero fallece en una avalancha en el Pirineo Aragonés, siendo la sexta víctima de la temporada. En política, José Luis Ábalos anuncia su jubilación, y Víctor de Aldama vincula a Delcy Rodríguez con una supuesta financiación del PSOE con fondos de PDVSA. Donald Trump afirma que Putin accedió a no atacar Ucrania por una semana debido al frío extremo. El gobierno sube el Salario Mínimo Interprofesional a 1221 euros/mes, sin acuerdo patronal. En cultura, se cancelan jornadas literarias en Sevilla por controversia. ...

Madrid, March 2017. A Swiss banker, an oil executive from PDVSA—Venezuela's state oil company—and three financial advisors meet to discuss business. They seek to move millions in corrupt funds without anyone noticing. But one of them is wearing a hidden microphone and records this conversation, in which a money laundering operation is structured, part of a scheme that diverted at least $600 million in Venezuelan public funds.From OCCRP and the Colombian production company La No Ficción, this investigative series follows exiled Venezuelan journalist Laura Weffer as she tracks down Carmelo Urdaneta, a former high-level official in Venezuela's oil ministry who sits at the heart of a billion-dollar money laundering conspiracy.Over five episodes, the podcast unspools how millions of dollars were embezzled from the state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA), between 2014 and 2018 by a circle of insiders who spent the cash on real estate, yachts, and other luxury assets.Behind these financial tricks lies immense personal suffering; The series also traces the human cost of this corruption, including Laura's own journey into exile and the voices of other Venezuelans who were battling a severe economic crisis at the same time that their oil money was being “cleaned” by professionals abroad.This podcast was originally produced in Spanish. Following recent events in Venezuela, we are sharing it with a wider audience through this human-reviewed AI translation. This is an experiment, so minor imperfections may be present. Original Spanish podcast below:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5inyH4WRo1H82KgvmnmUHhApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cuello-blanco-manos-sucias/id1872501127We welcome your feedback on this experiment at occrp.org/podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venezuela's oil industry has long been a site of struggle—between national sovereignty and foreign control, between social development and extraction for profit. In this wide-ranging conversation, Gregory Wilpert situates today's crisis in that longer history, from the Chávez government's effort to reclaim PDVSA for Venezuelans to the current U.S. strategy of tying sanctions relief to oil exports. As Washington pushes Caracas to increase production and redirect crude away from China, Wilpert examines whether interim leadership in Venezuela is navigating an impossible economic bind—or whether the country's oil and sovereignty are once again being bargained under coercion.

Our Chief Fixed Income Strategists Vishy Tirupattur discusses the calm market reaction to the latest developments in Venezuela and the potential implications for oil, stocks and bonds.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Vishy Tirupattur: Welcome to thoughts on the Market. I am Vishy Tirupattur, Morgan Stanley's Chief Fixed Income Strategist. On today's podcast, I will talk about the markets' response to the complex political developments in Venezuela, and examine the opportunities and risks it presents to the markets. It is Monday, January 12th at 11 am in New York. Despite the far-reaching geopolitical implications of last weekend's developments in Venezuela, the financial markets have been strikingly calm. Oil prices have barely budged, global equities have rallied, and the reaction in the safe-haven markets – U.S. Treasuries, for example – has been fairly muted. So what explains all of this? Let's start with oil – the commodity most exposed to the situation in Venezuela. The near-term supply appears very manageable. As Morgan Stanley's chief commodities strategist Martijn Rats notes, the market entered 2026 oversupplied, and inventories remain flush. That cushion explains why Brent prices have barely budged, and why Martijn sees prices sliding into the mid-$50s in the coming months.The bigger story is medium term. The prospect of reviving Venezuela's oil industry tilts production risks higher. Despite holding over 300 billion barrels, the world's largest reserves, [the] current output of Venezuela is just 0.8-1 million barrels per day, making it the smallest producer among the major reserve holders. More Venezuelan barrels hitting global markets could keep prices soft, even against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions. For oil, the near-term price risk is low while medium-term price risk leans bearish. Let's talk about energy stocks. In line with the expectation of our equity energy analysts led by Devin McDermott, energy equities have largely responded favorably, reflecting the potential for increased oil supply and specific company opportunities. U.S. refiners stand out as poised to gain. A post-Maduro Venezuela could mean higher crude exports of the heavy, sour oil that these refiners are built to process. More imported heavy crude is a clear tailwind for U.S. Gulf Coast refiners like Valero (VLO) and Marathon Petroleum (MPC), potentially lowering their input costs and improving their margins. Similarly, Chevron (CVX), the only U.S. major still operating there under a sanctions waiver, is also poised to rally on the back of this. So for energy stocks, while [the] geopolitical story is complex, the market's message is straightforward. The prospect of greater supply is good news, and some companies appear uniquely positioned to gain as Venezuela's next chapter unfolds. Nowhere has the market reaction been more dramatic than in Venezuela's own sovereign debt. As Simon Waever, Morgan Stanley's global head of sovereign credit strategy anticipated, prices of Venezuela's defaulted bonds – both the government bonds (VENZ) as well as the bonds of state oil company PDVSA – soared to multi-year highs following the weekend's events. The bond complex has already rallied over 25 percent since last weekend to reach an average price of about $35, thanks to the increased likelihood of a creditor-friendly transition. A clearer path for a potential debt restructuring deal improves the prospects for future debt recovery. We expect further upside as the markets price a higher recovery rate if Venezuela's oil production increases further. So what's the bottom line: Last week's developments in Venezuela are a major geopolitical event, but the financial market reaction reflects both the contained nature of the shock and the prospect of constructive outcomes ahead – more oil supply, creditor-friendly debt resolution, etc. Oil markets are signaling that global supply can weather the storm, equity investors are cheering beneficiaries like refiners and seeing the broader risk backdrop as unchanged, and bond investors are selectively adding Venezuela's beaten-down debt in hopes of an eventual recovery. For now, the takeaway is that this political event has not affected the market's positive momentum – if anything, it has created pockets of opportunity and reinforced prevailing trends such as ample oil, and strong credit appetite. As always, we'll keep you informed of any material changes. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the podcast, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.Important note regarding economic sanctions. This report references jurisdictions which may be the subject of economic sanctions. Readers are solely responsible for ensuring that their investment activities are carried out in compliance with applicable laws.

Welcome to the award-winning FCPA Compliance Report, the longest-running podcast in compliance. We take a short break from our 2-part series with Mike Volkov to review the issues arising from the Trump Administration's invasion of Venezuela. Matt Ellis joins Tom Fox to look at what all this means for companies looking to do business in Venezuela. They discuss the complex landscape of doing business in Venezuela, focusing on the rampant corruption, security challenges, and the implications of U.S. sanctions. They explore the risks associated with engaging with the national oil company, PdVSA, and the broader implications for U.S. companies considering re-entry into the Venezuelan market. The conversation also touches on Cuba's role, international organizations, and the potential for infrastructure rebuilding in Venezuela, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies and careful risk management. Key highlights: Navigating Corruption and Security Risks in Business Banking and Money Laundering Concerns Cuba's Role and Sanctions Implications International Organizations and Corruption Regulations Infrastructure Rebuilding in Venezuela Long-term Strategies for Companies Resources: Matt Ellis on LinkedIn Miller & Chevalier LLC Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump entered office backed by fossil-fuel executives, hedge-fund financiers, and the AI-military industrial complex, then used sanctions, military pressure, and trade coercion against Venezuela to dismantle national control over its oil sector—culminating in a $2 billion crude deal that redirects Venezuelan exports from China to the United States and rewards major political donors. Prof. Steve Ellner and Journalist, Ricardo Vaz explain, this outcome is not an aberration, but rather the latest chapter in a long-standing struggle over PDVSA, oil sovereignty, and U.S. hemispheric dominance—where economic warfare supplants diplomacy and state power is deployed for private gain.

En el episodio de hoy analizamos cómo las reservas de Banxico alcanzaron un máximo histórico de 251,000 MDD, blindando a la economía mexicana ante la incertidumbre global del 2026. Además, desmenuzamos la entrada de Revolut al mercado de crédito en México y la investigación por dumping contra las manzanas de EE.UU. En el plano internacional, la tensión escala tras la intervención en Venezuela: EE.UU. incauta petroleros y toma control de las exportaciones de PDVSA bajo la administración Trump. También, la SCJN falla a favor del pago retroactivo de alimentos y Netflix se queda con Warner Bros Discovery.Recibe gratis nuestro newsletter con las noticias más importantes del día.Si te interesa una mención en El Brieff, escríbenos a arturo@strtgy.ai Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosana Laviada y Luis F. Quintero comentan la debacle de PDVSA bajo el chavismo, el récord de hurtos en supermercados.

Convidado: David Zylbersztajn, ex-diretor-geral da Agência Nacional do Petróleo e prof. do Instituto de Energia da PUC-Rio. A Venezuela concentra hoje cerca de 17% de todas as reservas de petróleo conhecidas do mundo, segundo a Opep (Organização dos Países Exportadores de Petróleo) — mais do que qualquer outro país. Essa abundância sempre atraiu interesses externos e moldou decisões internas de governos venezuelanos. A produção local, que chegou a ser de 3,7 milhões de barris em 1970, despencou e hoje mal chega a 1 milhão de barris diários. Desde a ascensão do chavismo, com Hugo Chávez e nos últimos anos com o ditador Nicolás Maduro, as multinacionais foram afastadas e a exploração ficou concentrada na estatal PDVSA. É nesse cenário de declínio que Donald Trump ancora o argumento para justificar sua ofensiva na Venezuela. Em seu discurso após a captura de Maduro, Trump falou 18 vezes a palavra petróleo. Para o presidente dos EUA, a indústria petrolífera venezuelana precisa ser retomada — desta vez, sob comando americano. Neste episódio, Natuza Nery conversa com David Zylbersztajn, ex-diretor-geral da Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP) e professor do Instituto de Energia da PUC-Rio. Ele relembra a ascensão da Venezuela como potência exploradora de petróleo e explica por que as reservas históricas do país não se converteram em riqueza para a população venezuelana. Por fim, Zylbersztajn analisa o que pode acontecer com o preço do petróleo em meio à deposição de Maduro e às incertezas sobre o futuro político do país caribenho.

Early on January 3, 2026, the United States apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and removed Maduro from power. Maduro was transported to New York, where he now faces federal charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.  The situation in Venezuela remains highly fluid, as does the US policy response. President Trump has signaled a dramatic expansion of US objectives. He has suggested the US will be "running" the country during a transition and is seeking direct access to Venezuela's massive oil reserves.  In Caracas, interim President Delcy Rodríguez condemned the operation but has expressed a willingness to negotiate. Meanwhile, the role of democratic opposition leader María Corina Machado remains unclear. Venezuela possesses the largest oil reserves in the world and these developments raise important questions for global energy markets at a time of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. What's the future of Venezuelan oil? And how might US sanctions and foreign policy decisions reshape energy flows in the region and beyond? Today on the show, Jason Bordoff speaks with three leading experts at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Luisa Palacios, Richard Nephew, and Daniel Sternoff, about the recent events in Venezuela and their wide-ranging implications.  Luisa previously served as chairwoman of Citgo Petroleum Corporation, the US refining arm of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA. Richard formerly was the US deputy special envoy for Iran among several other government roles focused on sanctions and foreign policy. Before joining the Center, Daniel led Energy Aspects' executive briefing service. The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University SIPA is closely following recent US actions in Venezuela and their impact on geopolitics, policy, and global energy markets. Follow us @ColumbiaUEnergy for more insights and updates. See all of our coverage here. Credits: Hosted by Jason Bordoff and Bill Loveless. Produced by Mary Catherine O'Connor, Caroline Pitman, and Kyu Lee. Engineering by Gregory Vilfranc.

Venezuela, con sus vastas reservas petroleras, observa cómo PDVSA se arruina por la gestión estatal, lo que desploma sus exportaciones y genera una situación económica catastrófica. La corrupción es endémica: grano para ayuda humanitaria desaparece, implicando a figuras como Alex Saab. Maduro es detenido en Nueva York, donde simula ser un preso político y su abogado, conocido por victimizar a sus defendidos, se encarga de su caso. Su actitud burlona y sus bailes durante las negociaciones para su exilio irritan a la Casa Blanca. En Venezuela, la alegría por el arresto es contenida, pero se anhela desmantelar el sistema chavista para recuperar libertad. Las protestas pro-Maduro en el extranjero, sin venezolanos, utilizan la bandera nacional para defender al dictador, provocando indignación. La transición es compleja ante la destrucción institucional y económica. Estados Unidos mantiene un bloqueo naval y el rearme militar. La reconstrucción petrolera exige un billón de dólares y la ...

2026年1月5日下午：美国持续禁运石油，委内瑞拉国家石油公司（PDVSA）储存能力接近极限，被迫削减原油产量；在总统马杜罗被美军带走后，委内瑞拉临时总统目前表示愿与特朗普政府合作（收听播客，了解详情）。

Over the past week, President Trump has intensified pressure on Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro by targeting the regime's economic lifeline—oil. The United States has seized two oil tankers and is in pursuit of another, following President Trump's declaration of what he called a "total and complete blockade" of vessels carrying Venezuelan crude subject to US sanctions. The move places one of Venezuela's most valuable and strategic assets squarely at the center of the conflict. The country holds an estimated 17 percent of the world's oil reserves and produces nearly one million barrels per day, nearly all of which is exported. Targeting these exports and the use of a naval blockade carries serious implications, raising questions about the potential for further escalation. How is the standoff between Washington and Caracas evolving? What diplomatic or economic off-ramps—if any—remain? And what does all of this mean for global energy markets already navigating a fragile balance of supply, sanctions, and geopolitical risk? This week, Jason Bordoff speaks with Luisa Palacios and Eddie Fishman about the Trump administration's strategy in the region. Luisa leads the research team and is a scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy. Previously, she served as chairwoman of CITGO Petroleum Corporation, the US refining arm of Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA. Eddie is a senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy. He is the author of the bestselling book Chokepoints: American Power in the Era of Economic Warfare, which was named a finalist for the Financial Times Business Book of the Year. Credits: Hosted by Jason Bordoff and Bill Loveless. Produced by Mary Catherine O'Connor, Caroline Pitman, and Kyu Lee. Engineering by Gregory Vilfranc.  

SHOW 12-18-25 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT THE POTUS AT YEAR'S END... 1951 BALD EAGLE ALASKA CRUNCH EU SUMMIT DISCUSSES USING FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE Colleague Anatol Lieven. The European Union is internally divided over seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort and reconstruction, a move requiring rule changes that some members resist. While the US proposes using these funds for post-war rebuilding, current plans risk spending the capital on immediate warfare, potentially undermining international financial trust. NUMBER 1 NATO AND EU SEEK DEFENSE FUNDS AMID FEARS OF RUSSIAN AGGRESSION Colleague Anatol Lieven. European nations like Finland are demanding funds to counter perceived Russian threats, despite a lack of historical aggression toward them. Lieven argues that plans to spend billions on tanks are misguided, as the Ukraine war demonstrates that expensive armor is easily destroyed by cheaper drones and defensive lines. NUMBER 2 CALIFORNIA JOB LOSSES AND CHINA'S ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AMID RETAIL SEASON Colleague Chris Riegel. California's new wage mandates have triggered significant job losses in the fast-food sector, forcing operators to move to lower-tax states. Internationally, while China boasts of leads in AI and EVs, these sectors rely on unsustainable subsidies, masking a deep consumer recession and deflation in the property market. NUMBER 3 SPAIN'S GOVERNMENT MAINTAINS TIES WITH VENEZUELA DESPITE OPPOSITION Colleague Mary Anastasia O'Grady. The Spanish government under Pedro Sanchez maintains ideological and economic alliances with the Maduro regime, prioritizing political agendas over democratic ideals. Opposition figure Cayetana Alvarez de Toledo accuses former Prime Minister Zapatero of acting as an international agent for Maduro, facilitating the dictatorship's survival despite mass migration. NUMBER 4 CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 VENEZUELA'S TRAGIC DECLINE FROM PROSPERITY TO AUTHORITARIANISM Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. Historical imagery reveals Venezuela's transformation from a prosperous, modern nation in the 1950s to a ruined state today. Deep inequality and corruption in the pre-Chavez era alienated the poor, allowing Hugo Chavez to capitalize on their frustration and dismantle the free market system, leading to the current crisis. NUMBER 6 ELECTIONS IN CHILE, PERU, AND HONDURAS SIGNAL REGIONAL SHIFTS Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. In Chile, José Antonio Kast's rise reflects a rejection of progressive policies and crime, favoring order and investment. Meanwhile, Peru faces political fragmentation and violence, Honduras struggles with electoral disputes, and Costa Rica appears poised to elect a pro-US candidate who aims to limit Chinese influence. NUMBER 7 ARGENTINA'S CREDIT RATING RISES AS BRAZIL FACES POLITICAL POLARIZATION Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. S&P upgraded Argentina's credit rating following Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have stabilized the currency and reduced inflation despite social costs. In Brazil, the reduction of Jair Bolsonaro's prison sentence and his son Flavio's candidacy signal a continued, polarized struggle against Lula da Silva's agenda for the 2026 election. NUMBER 8 ROMAN KINGSHIP: FROM CITIZEN SELECTION TO THE IDEAL OF SERVICE Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Early Roman kings were selected by citizens based on merit rather than heredity, but figures like Servius Tullius began bypassing this consent. Conversely, Cincinnatus exemplifies the Roman ideal of service; he accepted absolute dictatorial power to save the state during a crisis, then immediately resigned to return to his farm. NUMBER 9 APPIUS CLAUDIUS CAECUS: INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLITICAL GENIUS Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. Appius Claudius Caecus transformed the Roman censorship office into a power base by building the Appian Way and appointing wealthy Italians to the Senate. As a blind elder statesman, he shamed the Senate into rejecting peace with Pyrrhus, insisting Rome must fight to maintain its dominance and ancestral legacy. NUMBER 10 ROME VS. CARTHAGE: DESTINY, TRAGEDY, AND THE CONSENSUS FOR WAR Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The conflict between Rome and Carthage is symbolized by the tragedy of Dido, representing the incompatibility of their powers. Despite Hannibal's devastating victories, the Roman Republic prevailed through a political system that prioritized consensus and collective sacrifice, allowing them to endure immense losses without surrendering. NUMBER 11 THE GRACCHI BROTHERS AND THE RISE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN ROME Colleague Professor Edward J. Watts. The Gracchi brothers introduced political violence to Rome, with Tiberius using populism to revive his career and Gaius acting as a true believer in reform. Their assassinations by the Senate marked a departure from peaceful republican norms, as the elite used violence to protect entrenched economic inequality. NUMBER 12 DISCOVERY OF GIANT RADIO GALAXIES AND SUPERMASSIVE BLACK HOLES Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Astronomers have discovered 53 giant radio galaxies, some 75 times larger than the Milky Way, powered by active supermassive black holes emitting radio jets. These ancient objects offer insights into galactic evolution, contrasting sharply with the Milky Way's smaller, dormant black hole that allows life to exist safely. NUMBER 13 INVESTING IN HUMAN INTELLECT OVER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Colleague Dr. Sabayashi Pal. Given an unlimited budget, Dr. Pal would prioritize human resource development over new telescopes, proposing a space study institute in Africa to train experts. He argues that while AI is a useful tool, education is essential for humans to interpret data and appreciate the machinery rather than being replaced by it. NUMBER 14 EUROPE SCROUNGES FOR FUNDS AMID RUSSIAN ASSET DISPUTES Colleague Michael Bernstam. The UK threatens to seize proceeds from the sale of Chelsea FC for Ukraine aid, while the EU struggles to finance a $135 billion shortfall for Kyiv. European leaders propose leveraging frozen Russian assets for loans, but financial markets remain skeptical of the EU's ability to guarantee such debt. NUMBER 15 CONGRESSIONAL SPENDING AND THE REVERSE MIDAS TOUCH Colleagues Dave Hebert and Peter Earle. Hebert and Earle argue that Congressional spending exacerbates problems in education and healthcare by subsidizing demand while restricting supply through regulations. They contend politicians prefer "showy" supply-side interventions, like drug busts, over effective policies because the politics of appearing effective outweigh the economics of actual affordability. NUMBER 16

We are thrilled to share this Special Edition COBT as our final episode of 2025. Like many of you, we have been closely watching the escalating situation in Venezuela, and we had the honor of hosting former Attorney General Bill Barr to hear his unique perspectives. Bill served twice as Attorney General, first under President George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993 and again under President Donald Trump from 2019 to 2020. He is the author of “One Damn Thing After Another” and has held senior roles at Kirkland & Ellis and Verizon. He earned his law degree from George Washington University and studied Government and Chinese Studies at Columbia. Bill is currently a Partner at Torridon Group. It was our pleasure to visit with Bill and hear his insights on the latest developments in Venezuela. In our conversation, we explore the current Venezuela crisis and U.S. military buildup, why Bill welcomes the Trump Administration's response, and why he sees Venezuela as both a national security threat and humanitarian crisis. Bill outlines narco-terrorism versus traditional organized crime, how cartels use drugs as a weapon against the U.S., and why he views Venezuela as a strategic adversary with deep ties to Russia, China, Cuba, Iran, and Hezbollah. He explains why domestic-style law enforcement doesn't work inside hostile foreign territory and walks through the long-standing U.S. doctrine of acting when foreign states are “unable or unwilling” to deal with threats to the U.S. in their territory. We discuss lessons from U.S. action in Panama, stopping short in Iraq after Gulf War I, what “if you break it, you own it” means for Venezuela, why Venezuela is the focus now, versus Mexico and others, the role of Russia and China in Venezuela, and how renewed enforcement pressure on sanctioned tankers and oil flows can further squeeze the regime. We cover the effectiveness and limits of sanctions and the emerging quasi-blockade, how the President should think about escalation from a legal and constitutional perspective, Maduro's options and potential off-ramps, the case for swift, decisive action, how failed regimes drive refugee crises that put pressure on U.S. borders, the potential collateral benefits for Venezuela and the broader region if things go well, and much more. As always, we appreciate hearing Bill's perspectives. It was a fascinating conversation. Mike Bradley kicked us off by noting that Thursday's November CPI report printed much lower than expected, which lifted bonds and equities. On the electricity market front, he highlighted that the PJM Capacity Auction for 2027-2028 resulted in a record price ($333 per megawatt day). The more concerning takeaway, however, was that PJM did not obtain enough capacity to meet future reliability requirements. In energy news, Mike noted that Meg O'Neill, current CEO of Woodside Energy, has accepted the CEO role at BP PLC. On the oil market front, he observed that WTI price appears to have temporarily stabilized in the $56-$57/bbl range. Oil markets continue to be overly concerned with a “perceived” oil supply price glut in 2026, and at the current WTI strip price (mid-$50s/bbl), 2026 E&P budgets will be negatively impacted when they report in the coming months. He wrapped by walking through Venezuela's past/present oil production (under both the Chávez and Maduro administrations) and the severe economic damage that's been inflicted under the Maduro presidency. Arjun Murti built on Mike's comments and reflected on Venezuela's oil industry in the 1990s, when international oil companies partnered with PDVSA to develop the country's vast heavy-oil resources under favorable fiscal terms and strong technical collaboration. He contrasted that period with the deterioration that followed under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, as contract terms were tightened and assets were eventually nationalized, contributing to the collapse of Venezuela's oil sector and the country's

CHINA'S SURREPTITIOUS SUPPORT KEEPS THE MADURO REGIME AFLOAT Colleague Professor Evan Ellis. China sustains the Maduro regime through loans, surveillance technology, and military equipment while bypassing sanctions to import Venezuelan oil. The state oil company, PDVSA, collapsed due to the purging of technical experts and lack of investment, forcing Venezuela to rely on Iranian engineers to maintain minimal production. NUMBER 5 1902 CARACAS

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Trump and his administration are now dismantling the entire green agenda. The [CB] has made everything unaffordable, Trump is now in the process of reversing this. The [CB] tried to trap Trump in a failing economy, Trump turn the tables and trapped the [CB]. The [DS] is fighting back, corruption still exists, criminals are still running many parts of gov across the country. Trump is dismantling their system and they are trying to stop him. Trump has countered the fake news, they have been trying to divide the people and pushing doubt in regards to the Trump administration. His admin are now showing the world that they are united and they stand behind Trump. This was needed for the next part of the plan that we are entering. Soon the storm is coming, buckle up. Economy  (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/unusual_whales/status/2001275434898784270?s=20 https://twitter.com/PlanetOfMemes/status/2000978294993236140?s=20 https://twitter.com/USTradeRep/status/2000990028835508258?s=20   enterprise services to EU companies, and they support millions of jobs and more than $100 billion in direct investment in Europe. The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns. In stark contrast, EU service providers have been able to operate freely in the United States for decades, benefitting from access to our market and consumers on a level playing field. Some of the largest EU service providers that have hitherto enjoyed this expansive market access include, among others: — Accenture — Amadeus — Capgemini — DHL — Mistral — Publicis — SAP — Siemens — Spotify If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures. Should responsive measures be necessary, U.S. law permits the assessment of fees or restrictions on foreign services, among other actions. The United States will take a similar approach to other countries that pursue an EU-style strategy in this area.  Political/Rights https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000982942907039813?s=20   Russiagate. In 2017, he founded the Committee to Investigate Russia, a political NGO that promoted the Russiagate hoax. Former CIA Director John Brennan and DNI James Clapper served on its advisory board, giving intelligence world credibility to a partisan effort. The group's mission was clear: cripple President Trump and question the legitimacy of the 2016 election. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2000993976330191330?s=20   efforts to have Trump imprisoned on wholly fabricated charges. Proof below. 3. In all likelihood, Reiner was in cahoots with the CIA in attempting to destroy our Constitutional form of government. Given the above, if anything Trump’s commentary on Reiner was too kind. So knock it off, bedwetters. https://twitter.com/TonySeruga/status/2001297973209416013?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2000987037638496554?s=20  https://twitter.com/RedWave_Press/status/2001066545716326714?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheLastRefuge2/status/2001196416056619102?s=20 Brown University Received a Letter from 34 Human Rights Groups in August Requesting They Disable Their CCTV System  The question is: Did Brown University acquiesce under pressure from far-left human rights groups to disable their CCTV systems, in advance of the mass shooting on campus? [SOURCE – AUGUST 19, 2025] As originally reported in August 2025 {SOURCE}, a group of far-left human rights advocate sent a letter to 150 U.S. colleges and universities asking them to disable the CCTV systems to protect “free expression and academic freedom across the country,” because “the Trump administration has launched an aggressive campaign against US academic institutions.” The motive for the request to disable CCTV systems as stated: “Right now these tools are facilitating the identification and punishment of student protesters, undermining activists' right to anonymity––a right the Supreme Court has affirmed as vital to free expression and political participation.” {SOURCE} The letter from ‘Fight For The Future‘ (August, 2025) came after an earlier campaign by the same group seeking to stop the use of facial recognition cameras on college campuses. {SOURCE} Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/2001107948312133776?s=20   network. Students from there have been arrested for participating in terrorist plots. The evidence is so overwhelming, that House Republicans successfully convinced Harvard to cut research ties to Birzeit University — briefly. Let’s put it this way: If I were in Vegas and forced to bet on whether Professor Doumani had ever been part of any extremist plots, I wouldn’t bet on “no.” We need to stop accepting “Ivy League” as any meaningful measure of merit. https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2001052796037017940?s=20   in the area with no noticeable gun, then started jogging towards the building where he shot one of the few conservative leaders on a radical campus. That seems like an assassination of Ella Cook, possibly with an innocent bystander taken down with her. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001062786084880887?s=20  today, December 16, 2025, amid widespread speculation and emerging reports identifying him as the prime suspect in the December 13 mass shooting on campus that killed two students and injured nine others. The university has not released an official statement explaining the deletion, but online discussions and news coverage point to it as an effort to scrub digital traces of Kharbouch during the ongoing FBI manhunt and investigation. His X (formerly Twitter) account has also been taken down, fueling theories of a cover-up by the university, media, or authorities to control the narrative around his pro-Palestine activism and alleged radical views. As of now, federal authorities have released images and a timeline of the suspect’s movements but have not publicly confirmed Kharbouch’s involvement, though some outlets report he has fled and remains at large with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest. This is a summary of his (now deleted) manifesto: In Mustapha Kharbouch’s 2024 manifesto, “I Hear The Voice of My Ancestors Calling: From The Camps to The Campus,” published by the Institute for Palestine Studies, the author reflects on his role in the Brown University Gaza Solidarity Encampment amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As a third-generation stateless Palestinian refugee raised in Lebanon, Kharbouch draws from his family’s history of displacement during the 1948 Nakba to frame his activism. The piece begins with lyrics from an adapted “Ancestor Song,” symbolizing a call to action and intergenerational resilience. He describes participating in non-violent protests, including an eight-day hunger strike by 19 students, arrests of 61 comrades for demanding university divestment from apartheid and illegal occupation, and organizing encampments with hundreds of participants engaging in rallies, teach-ins, art, film screenings, and chants. Kharbouch explores themes of “radical love” for land and people in Gaza, collective grief over the genocide, and solidarity as a revolutionary practice rooted in Palestinian revolutionary traditions that reject colonialism, carcerality, and imperialism. He critiques passive hope, instead advocating for active, decolonial hope through community-building and bearing witness to atrocities, like the invasion of Rafah. Influenced by queer feminist approaches (citing scholars like Sarah Ihmoud and Robin Kelley), he emphasizes transforming anger and despair into sustainable world-making, while questioning intergenerational betrayal and the cynicism inherited from survival under oppression. Ultimately, the manifesto affirms the encampment’s role in a broader student rebellion, linking campus actions to global Palestinian liberation and calling for continued, unyielding commitment despite challenges. https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2001028141851013528?s=20 https://twitter.com/JamesHartline/status/2001090533746467327?s=20 https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2001089445194235926?s=20 https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2001345847133643062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001345847133643062%7Ctwgr%5E8764cf1453bd57445310069de900ad0f6828d697%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fbreaking-providence-police-release-photos-person-proximity-brown%2F https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2001047137308590081?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheSCIF/status/2000985628029403418?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001347329585012818?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2001000454042607728?s=20 DOGE Trump Suspends ‘Tech Prosperity Deal' With UK Over Censorship and Regulations by ‘Online Safety Bill' Hurting US Tech Companies  Trump has suspended the ‘Tech Prosperity Deal' with the UK over its censorship push. The Telegraph reported: “The White House paused the tech prosperity deal amid concerns the Online Safety Act, which regulates online speech, will stifle American artificial intelligence companies, the Telegraph understands. The law allows the British government to levy large fines on tech giants it deems have facilitated hate speech.” After the rise of artificial intelligence, companies like OpenAI or xAI can face huge fines – harming their growth and giving China an edge in the AI race. “'The perception is that Britain is way out there on attempting to police what is said online, and it's caused real concern', a source with knowledge of the decision to suspend the deal said. ‘Americans went into this deal thinking Britain were going to back off regulating American tech firms but realized it was going to restrict the speech of American chatbots'.” Source: thegatewaypundit.com Geopolitical https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2001217017001685167?s=20    of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela. The Illegal Aliens and Criminals that the Maduro Regime has sent into the United States during the weak and inept Biden Administration, are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace. America will not allow Criminals, Terrorists, or other Countries, to rob, threaten, or harm our Nation and, likewise, will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA In 1970, as National Security Advisor, Kissinger was briefed on and helped shape US oil import policies toward Venezuela following a visit by Venezuelan President Rafael Caldera. These policies, announced in June 1970, focused on long-term petroleum development and were positively received by Venezuela, but they represented unilateral US adjustments rather than a negotiated deal.  In 1972, Venezuela terminated a longstanding reciprocal trade agreement with the US that included concessional tariff rates on Venezuelan oil imports. Kissinger was informed of this as National Security Advisor, and the US considered maintaining low tariffs to avoid cost increases, but this was a termination process, not a new deal.   Venezuela effectively took control of oil fields and assets from US companies on two major occasions, though the processes involved nationalization and expropriation rather than outright theft without legal frameworks or compensation. These actions shifted operations from private foreign (including US) entities to state control under the Venezuelan government.In the 1970s, Venezuela nationalized its entire oil industry, which had been largely developed and operated by foreign companies since the early 20th century. On January 1, 1976, the government officially took over, creating the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). This affected major US firms like Exxon (formerly Standard Oil), Gulf Oil, and others, which had held concessions. The companies were provided compensation as part of the process, and it was generally seen as an expected transition in global oil politics at the time, without major disruptions to US supply. In 2007, under President Hugo Chávez, Venezuela escalated state control by mandating that foreign oil projects in the Orinoco Belt (a massive heavy oil reserve) convert to joint ventures where PDVSA held at least a 60% stake. Companies like Chevron complied, but ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips refused, leading to the government expropriating their assets. International arbitration tribunals later ruled these actions unlawful, awarding ExxonMobil about $1.6 billion and ConocoPhillips over $8 billion in compensation (though Venezuela has contested and delayed payments). This has been a point of ongoing tension, with US firms pursuing Venezuelan assets globally to enforce the awards. These events did not involve taking oil fields directly from the US government but from American corporations with investments in Venezuela, reflecting broader shifts toward resource nationalism. https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2001087786879795546?s=20 War/Peace Zelensky: If Putin rejects peace plan, US must give us weapons The Ukrainian leader issued the warning as Russia said it would not drop its claims to land it believes to be its own  So Zelensky, NATO EU DS rewrote the plan knowing Russia wouldn’t accept it.  Source: thetimes.com Zelensky is stealing the election before it begins The overstaying Ukrainian leader has made a show of agreeing to hold a vote – but his preconditions make a mockery of it   The often-heard claim that Ukraine cannot hold presidential elections in wartime, by the way, is badly misleading, and a thoroughly politically motivated misrepresentation of the facts: In reality, the Ukrainian constitution only prohibits parliamentary elections in time of war. Elections for the presidency are impeded by ordinary laws which can, of course, easily and legally be changed by the majority which Zelensky controls in parliament. That is merely a question of political will, not legality.  Zelensky and his fixers are planning to shift the whole presidential election online. If they do, falsification in Zelensky's favor is de facto guaranteed or mail in ballots Source: rt.com Hegseth Orders Christmas Bonuses For War Department Top Performers  The War Department is rewarding its highest performers with monetary awards worth 15 to 25% of base pay, The Daily Wire can first report, rewards intended to reflect the “historic successes” of the past 10 months. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed all War Department department heads and principal staff assistants to “take immediate action to recognize and reward [the] very best” of the department's civilian workforce with “meaningful monetary awards consistent with the relevant existing civilian awards authorities for each pay system,” according to a memorandum for senior Pentagon leadership first obtained by The Daily Wire. The distribution of bonuses — which could reach up to $25,000 — is also in line with the Trump administration's broader efforts to make the federal government function more like a private-sector business. Source: dailywire.com FBI Agents Thought Clinton’s Uranium One Deal Might Be Criminal – But McCabe, Yates Stonewalled Investigation: Report Remember Uranium One? The massive 2010 sale of US uranium deposits to Russia approved by Hillary Clinton and rubber-stamped by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) – after figures linked to the deal donated to the Clinton Foundation? Turns out rank-and-file FBI investigators thought there was enough smoke to launch a criminal investigation, but internal delays and disagreements within the DOJ and FBI ultimately caused the inquiry to lapse, newly released records reveal.   The Uranium One transaction – involving the sale of a Canadian mining company with substantial U.S. uranium assets to Russia's state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom – became a flashpoint during Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Critics argued that then-Secretary of State Clinton, a member of CFIUS, helped approve the deal while donors connected to Uranium One made large contributions to the Clinton Foundation.  The newly released documents suggest that the circumstances surrounding Uranium One were never fully investigated, leaving unresolved questions about how a strategic U.S. asset came under Russian control – and whether potential criminal conduct went unexamined due to internal delays and legal disputes. Source: zerohedge.com Health https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2001327868979368264?s=20 [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/Badhombre/status/2001052105155481995?s=20   million stolen through Medicaid fraud by Chavis Willis. – $12.5 million in federal education grants stolen by 1,834 “ghost students.” All of this happened in Minnesota under Tim Walz. Somali fraudsters were involved in almost every case. Ex-Marine planned attack in New Orleans that would ‘recreate’ Waco, officials say Plans to “carry out an attack” in New Orleans were thwarted after an ex-Marine was arrested while on the way to the Louisiana city with guns and body armor in the car, according to court documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. Micah James Legnon, 28, was charged with threats in interstate commerce. Federal authorities said they had been surveilling Legnon due to ties to an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group. Four members of the group were arrested Friday in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, as they were rehearsing a foiled plot to set off bombs in Southern California on New Year's Eve, authorities said.  Legnon believed it was time to “recreate” Waco with an attack in New Orleans, authorities said in court documents. They pointed to a Dec. 4 chat message by Legnon written under the alias “Kateri The Witch” the day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived in New Orleans. Legnon's alias had “she/her” written beside it, but jail records referred to Legnon as male. Source: nbcnews.com https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/2001118961073639492?s=20 President Trump's Plan  https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001336422150869037?s=20 https://twitter.com/RAZ0RFIST/status/2001111187245736061?s=20 https://twitter.com/KariLakeWarRoom/status/2001117437274509736?s=20 RINO Congressman Who Voted to Impeach President Donald Trump Will Not Seek Re-election  In 2021, RINO Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Newhouse announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, leaving Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) as the only one of the group remaining in Congress. https://twitter.com/RepNewhouse/status/2001291310146158666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001291310146158666%7Ctwgr%5Ee6d32e37b15338ded9a698a990480010a5616470%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Frino-congressman-who-voted-impeach-president-donald-trump%2F The fates of the ten Republicans who voted to impeach: 1. Liz Cheney (WY) — Defeated in 2022 primary 2. John Katko (NY) — Retired in 2022 3. Adam Kinzinger (IL) — Retired in 2022 4. Fred Upton (MI) — Retired in 2022 5. Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA) — Defeated in 2022 primary 6. Peter Meijer (MI) — Defeated in 2022 primary 7. Anthony Gonzalez (OH) — Retired in 2022 8. Tom Rice (SC) — Defeated in 2022 primary 9. Dan Newhouse (WA) — Will not seek reelection 10. David Valadao (CA) — Reelected in 2024, currently serving in the 119th Congress Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000999942303998185?s=20 https://twitter.com/HansMahncke/status/2001046169279955130?s=20   January 2017 briefing of Trump followed the same playbook, as did Strzok's conversation with General Flynn. The FBI's so-called briefings of Senators Grassley and Johnson also fit the same mold. Each time, they present it as a routine check-in or just a quick conversation. And each time, the real purpose is to box you in, lay traps and put you in prison. https://twitter.com/Cernovich/status/2001087239938564475?s=20  https://twitter.com/BehizyTweets/status/2000996943741501841?s=20 There is no specific time limit mandated by law or congressional rules for the Senate to vote on a bill passed by the House, including one that codifies executive orders (such as the FY2026 NDAA, which reportedly incorporates 15 of President Trump’s executive orders). The Senate can schedule consideration and a vote at any point during the remainder of the current Congress (the 119th Congress ends on January 3, 2027). If the Senate does not act before then, the bill dies and would need to be reintroduced in the next Congress.In practice, for time-sensitive legislation like the NDAA, the Senate typically votes shortly after the House (often within days or weeks) due to bipartisan urgency around defense authorizations, but this is not a requirement. https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2001031213516304877?s=20 https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2000991371952357796?s=20   achievements will fail. We are family. We are united. https://twitter.com/EagleEdMartin/status/2001011049106161975?s=20 President Trump Issues Response to Vanity Fair Hit Piece Which Claims Susie Wiles Made a Pointed Remark About Him During an interview with the New York Post, Trump did not take the alleged remark Wiles made about him as an insult. In fact, he admitted to having a “very possessive” personality. “No, she meant that I'm — you see, I don't drink alcohol. So everybody knows that — but I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do. It's a very possessive personality,” Trump told the Post. “I've said that many times about myself. I'm fortunate I'm not a drinker. If I did, I could very well, because I've said that — what's the word? Not possessive — possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I've said it many times, many times before,” he added. Trump went on to tell the Post that he agrees the Vanity Fair article was a total hit job and Wiles's remarks were taken out of context.  . Source: thegatewaypundit.com  Based on recent reports, the entire Trump administration appears to be standing by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following the Vanity Fair article, with no notable dissent.   Specific individuals who have expressed support include: Name Position Donald Trump President JD Vance Vice President Doug Burgum Secretary of the Interior Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury Chris Wright Secretary of Energy Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor Linda McMahon Secretary of Education Scott Turner Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Brooke Rollins Secretary of Agriculture Sean Duffy Secretary of Transportation Kelly Loeffler SBA Administrator Lee Zeldin EPA Administrator Russ Vought OMB Director Pam Bondi Attorney General Kash Patel FBI Director Karoline Leavitt White House Press Secretary The [DS] has been trying to divide Trump adminitration from the beginning, they want people questioning everything, they are trying to have people doubt the administration.  how do you show the people that you are not divided.   Trump and team just changed the narrative, they took control, Susie and team most likely set this up, this way the team can tell the world they are united not divided. Information warfare. We are now moving into the next phase of the plan and the DS is panicking, the attacks against MAGA, his administration will continue, physical attacks will continue. The [DS] is fighting for their lives while Trump is dismantling their system and producing evidence on the  treasonous crimes they have committed. I think is letting us know we are moving into the storm, look how he stared this truth post.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Rogue NuGet package steals data Venezuela's PDVSA suffers attack Patched Fortinet flaws exploited Huge thanks to our sponsor, Adaptive Security This episode is brought to you by Adaptive Security, the first cybersecurity company backed by OpenAI. Picture a "new hire" who interviews well… except they're synthetic: AI video, AI voice, AI backstory. Once they're in, they go after payroll, internal docs, and access. That's the new reality: the attack surface is trust itself. Adaptive fights back with realistic deepfake simulations and training that actually sticks. Learn more at adaptivesecurity.com.  

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Federico aborda con Vanessa Vallecillo las claves de los asuntos de corrupción que afectan al PSOE.

** VIDEO EN NUESTRO CANAL DE YOUTUBE **** https://youtube.com/live/HFHu7WY_OuI +++++ Hazte con nuestras camisetas en https://www.bhmshop.app +++++ #actualidad #geopolítica #economía #Venezuela Venezuela es el mayor reservorio de petróleo del planeta. Y, sin embargo, es uno de los países más pobres y desestructurados del hemisferio. Hoy, con José Manuel Cueto @GeoPIB GEO desvelamos el gran botín oculto que sostiene al régimen de Maduro: el petróleo, el oro, los minerales estratégicos y las redes internacionales que lo protegen. EL LIBRO "UN MUNDO CONVULSO" https://amzn.to/4azCMLW En este programa analizamos: Petróleo como columna vertebral del poder chavista – PDVSA, declive técnico y alianzas opacas. – El crudo como moneda de cambio con China, Rusia, Irán y Turquía. Pobreza como herramienta política – Subsidios, control social y la emigración masiva como válvula de escape. El botín oculto del Estado – Oro del Arco Minero. – Tráfico, contrabando, estructuras paralelas. – La economía sumergida que financia al régimen. El Caribe como tablero geopolítico – Competencia de potencias externas. – El papel de EEUU y el declive de su influencia. Una conversación directa, sólida y sin rodeos sobre por qué Venezuela no cae y cómo su riqueza se ha convertido en la mayor condena del país. SUSCRÍBETE A @BELLUMARTISHISTORIAMILITAR Y @BELLUMARTISACTUALIDADMILITAR y apoya a Bellumartis Historia Militar: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bellumartis PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/bellumartis Bizum: 656 778 825 Síguenos: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellumartis_historia_militar Twitter / X: https://twitter.com/BellumartisHM COMPRA EN AMAZON CON EL ENLACE DE BHM Y AYÚDANOS: https://amzn.to/3ZXUGQl Hazte con los libros de Paco firmados y dedicados: https://franciscogarciacampa.com/

Nicolás Maduro considera que la narrativa que lo acusa de narcoterrorista y la recompensa de $50 millones de dólares de EE.UU. son una excusa para forzar un cambio de régimen, privatizar PDVSA y apoderarse de las reservas petroleras de Venezuela. Si ocurriera un cambio de régimen, el chavismo mantendría el control de la Asamblea Nacional (256 de 285 diputados), 23 de 24 gobernaciones y 285 de 335 alcaldías. Ante amenazas externas, Maduro anunció que la revolución pasaría a la resistencia armada, confirmado por Diosdado Cabello. Quienes creen que una "operación quirúrgica" externa es suficiente para derrocarlo cometen un error al subestimar el control territorial, militar, económico, político y social del chavismo. Forzar un cambio de régimen violento no garantiza la solución del conflicto ni la gobernabilidad, como se vio en Irak, Libia, Siria y Afganistán. La administración Trump usó la lucha contra el narcotráfico para justificar un ataque militar externo, a pesar de que organismos internacionales documentan que por Venezuela pasa apenas el 5% del tráfico de drogas hacia EE. UU.. La solución no se logrará con persecución ni ataques externos, sino mediante una solución inclusiva, pacífica y democrática. Para evitar una ola de violencia, se necesita un acuerdo político con garantías de protección y no persecución para quienes disputan el poder. La recompensa por su captura y la amenaza de ser apresado hacen que quienes gobiernan se aferren al poder y no haya margen para negociar.

Luis Pacheco llegó a ser director de planificación de PDVSA y es un experto en la industria del petróleo. SOMOS INTERNET 3 MESES 50% OFF https://www.somosinternet.co/atemporalThe Prize - Daniel Yergin (https://amzn.to/3H5hk5b)El pasajero de Truman - Francisco Suniaga (https://amzn.to/3H358lp)Doña Bárbara - Romulo Gallegos (https://amzn.to/46snAhU)Fundacion - Isaac Asimov (https://amzn.to/4o7Qg63)The ascent of man - Jacob Bronowski (https://amzn.to/472YoP7)Capítulos:00:00 intro 01:11 La generación Ayacucho09:43 Juré no ser parte de la industria petrolera15:54 Ser jefe de planificación de PDVSA24:36 ¿Cómo ser un buen planificador?41:11 La historia política de Venezuela57:24 Destinar los recursos01:09:41 La cosecha del petróleo01:28:28 La apertura petrolera 01:48:33 Chávez no fue un accidente histórico 01:55:26 La toma de PDVSA 02:04:02 El golpe de estado y el año 2002 02:10:40 ¿Qué sucedió con PDVSA?

Railin Elizabeth Yépez da su versión sobre las acusaciones del fiscal Tarek William Saab.

Railin Elizabeth Yépez da su versión sobre las acusaciones del fiscal Tarek William Saab.

Con Ainhoa Martínez, Antonio Caño, Javier Caraballo, Marta García Aller y Rubén Amón comentamos la actualidad política. Comenzamos hablando de los datos filtrados por el Confidencial sobre Koldo García, acusándolo de violencia de género contra su mujer. Seguimos opinando sobre la revocación hecha por el Tribunal Superior de Justicia de Cataluña, por unanimidad, a la condena a Dani Alves por agresión sexual. Continuamos con Donald Trump, que ha notificado a las compañías asociadas con la petrolera estatal venezolana PDVSA que sus permisos para exportar crudo y sus derivados de ese país quedan revocados. Después, hablamos sobre el paso de Feijoo por el Partido Popular al cumplir 3 años como portavoz del partido. Siguiendo con cargos políticos, Aitor Esteban ha sido proclamado nuevo presidente del PNV. Finalizamos hablando de que hoy termina el plazo para que las comunidades autónomas informen al Gobierno y den detalle de cuántos menores extranjeros tienen bajo su tutela.

Venezuela asegura que está lista para mantener las operaciones con las petroleras extranjeras a pesar de la decisión de Donald Trump de revocar los permisos a los socios de la estatal Pdvsa. Hoy se reúne en Madrid el llamado grupo G5+ que busca impulsar la defensa de Europa y el apoyo a Ucrania. El Ministerio de Trabajo se reúne esta mañana con los sindicatos y la patronal para iniciar las negociaciones que permitan reformar la normativa SMI.

Venezuela asegura que está lista para mantener las operaciones con las petroleras extranjeras a pesar de la decisión de Donald Trump de revocar los permisos a los socios de la estatal Pdvsa. Hoy se reúne en Madrid el llamado grupo G5+ que busca impulsar la defensa de Europa y el apoyo a Ucrania. El Ministerio de Trabajo se reúne esta mañana con los sindicatos y la patronal para iniciar las negociaciones que permitan reformar la normativa SMI.

Venezuela asegura que está lista para mantener las operaciones con las petroleras extranjeras a pesar de la decisión de Donald Trump de revocar los permisos a los socios de la estatal Pdvsa. Hoy se reúne en Madrid el llamado grupo G5+ que busca impulsar la defensa de Europa y el apoyo a Ucrania. El Ministerio de Trabajo se reúne esta mañana con los sindicatos y la patronal para iniciar las negociaciones que permitan reformar la normativa SMI.

Hablamos en Washington D.C. con la periodista Dori Toribio; en Madrid con Humberto Berti, ex presidente de PDVSA; en Houston con Francisco Monaldi de la Universidad de Rice, y en Ciudad de México con Jesús Carrillo del IMCO.

Dieter Brandau analiza la información de LD sobre la última hora de la trama Hidrocarburos.

Tras la llegada de Donald Trump a la presidencia de Estados Unidos, Asdrúbal Oliveros, economista y socio-director de Ecoanalítica, aseguró que si se eliminan las licencias petroleras, habrá una disminución de 4 mil millones de dólares en flujo de ingresos, repercutiendo en la capacidad de vender divisas, acelerando los niveles de inflación y la devaluación. Indicó que, por el modo de actuar de Trump en otras áreas, no se quedará sin hacer nada con Venezuela, explicando tres escenario posibles sobre las licencias petroleras en Venezuela. «El primer escenario es la eliminación de licencias, los efectos más rudos de esta política se sentirán a final de año» añadió. Oliveros recordó que los niveles de producción de Chevron, Repsol, Maurel and Prom, superan ligeramente los 300 mil barriles diarios, insistiendo en que. tras una medida como esto, eso no caerá a cero, ya que parte de esa producción la asumirá PDVSA, Destacó que la producción petrolera en Venezuela terminó el año pasado en 950 mil y en este escenario se perderían unos 250 mil barriles. Sin embargo, advirtió que el efecto más duro viene en cómo se vende el crudo con sanciones fuertes y los grandes descuentos. «El segundo escenario es que las licencias sean revisadas, hay restricciones, pero no eliminados del todo, habrán impactos, pero no serán tan drásticos como el primer escenario» acotó. El economista insistió en que, en un tercer escenario, se ve que en primera instancia se eliminen las licencias buscando algún acuerdo migratorio, y en el último escenario, y el menos probable, no pasará nada.

Dieter analiza la información de LD acerca del contenido del sobre de Aldama. Guarda cupos de PDVSA para financiar la Internacional de Pedro Sánchez

Según ex funcionarios de PDVSA, las predicciones son muy negativas tanto para Venezuela pero sobre todo para Cuba de llegar a paralizarse la compra de petróleo al régimen venezolano como lo anunció el Presidente Donald Trump.

Hablamos en Madrid con Pedro Mario Burelli, ex directivo de PDVSA; en California con el educador musical Andrés Ospina, y en Ciudad de México con Ana Gutiérrez, coordinadora de Comercio Exterior y Mercado Laboral del IMCO

In this episode, I welcome my dear aunt, Cristina Carbonell, to discuss what is occurring in Venezuela. Often omitted from major news outlets, the crisis in Venezuela is ever-present and ever-growing and there's no end in sight. Awareness from the international community is KEY to change related to the situation in Venezuela.   I hope you'll enjoy this long conversation and this knowledge on how Venezuela got to where it is today.   Below is a comprehensive list of resources & links on topics that were mentioned during this conversation: Ana Milagros Parra: https://x.com/amilagrosparra/status/1818055235681792279   Political prisoners: https://foropenal.com/presos-politicos/  Follow on IG @foropenal @OlnarOrtizBare   Fake Christmas: https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/03/venezuela-Nicolas-maduro-christmas   Increasing political violence and gross Human Rights violations: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-international-mission-reveals Gross-human-rights-violations-venezuela   Evelyne Laurent Perrault Ph.D., Assistant Professor at New York University (NYU): https://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/evelyne-laurent-perrault/   Dalencourt, F., & Mamami, P. (2013). Bolívar y Haití: Alexandre Pétion frente a lahumanidad. Guaraguao, 18(44), 99–122: http://www.jstor.org/stable/43487961   Orinoco Mining Arc – Information https://sosorinoco.org/en/   Plan de Gobierno de María Corina Machado – Privatización de PDVSA: https://conmariacorina.com/es/programa-de-gobierno (see page 11)   Observatorio de Ecología Política de Venezuela: https://ecopoliticavenezuela.org/   Interviews with Emiliano Terán Mantovani https://canalguardabosques.com/2018/10/18/emiliano-teran-mantovani-el-arco-minero-es-hoy-una-politica-de-ajuste/ (in Spanish) https://www.epohi.gr/article/49939/emiliano-teran-mantovani-h-kyvernhsh-ton-hpa-protima-na-ehei-sth-venezoyela-mia-kyvernhsh-poly-pio-d (in Greek)   Carbon Majors Study 2017: https://cdn.cdp.net/cdp-production/cms/reports/documents/000/002/327/original/Carbon-Majors-Report-2017.pdf?1501833772 ;    News article about PDVSA's role in carbon emissions: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/oct/09/revealed-20-firms-third-Carbon-emissions   Carbonell Betancourt, Cristina Margarita; Scarpellini, Marcela (2021). Venezuela, Oil and Climate Change: Overcoming Nostalgia. In: Leal Filho, W., Luetz, J., Ayal, D. (eds) Handbook of Climate Change Management. Springer, Cham.: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22759-3_242-1  

Libertad Digital ha tenido acceso a un intercambio de mensajes intervenido por la UCO entre Aldama y la empresaria venezolana Katherina Cortés.

El Ministerio Público confirmó la detención de Pedro Tellechea, exministro de Petróleo por entregar información confidencial sobre el cerebro de PDVSA a una empresa que supuestamente está vinculada a la inteligencia de Estados Unidos, según expresó el Fiscal General en un comunicado. Harley Monseguileman, reportero de Unión Radio, indicó que se habla de 6 personas más de su entorno que estarían involucradas no solo en la entrega de información confidencial, sino por otros delitos de menor nivel . Destacó que con Pedro Tellechea, ya serían 5 los exministros de petróleo que estarían involucrados en hechos de corrupción. También te puede interesar: Fiscalía confirma detención de exministro Tellechea por entregar información a empresa de EEUU   El reportero informó que desde marzo de 2023, al menos 66 personas habrían sido detenidas por hechos de corrupción vinculados a PDVSA. Recordó que Tellechea ha estado muy vinculado con el exministro Tareck El Aissami. El Fiscal General aseguró que en las próximas horas habría una rueda de prensa para aclarar detalles sobre esta detención.

Noticiero de Martí Noticias presenta un resumen de las noticias más importantes de Cuba y el mundo. Titulares: | Al menos seis muertos deja el huracán Oscar a su paso por el oriente de Cuba | Comunidades de Guantánamo permanecen aisladas | Asegura Estados Unidos que la situacion de Cuba se debe a una mala gestión de la política económica y los recursos del país | Las autoridades venezolanas arrestan a otro ex funcionario de alto rango de la industria petrolera | La diplomacia estadounidense regresa a Israel para impulsar diálogos de paz, entre otras noticias.

An Execution Sale is Not a Receivership. (Right?) Creditors of Venezuela and PDVSA, its state oil company, have forced an execution sale of PDVSA's only US asset – which happens to be the ultimate parent company of CITGO. The federal judge overseeing the process has tried to keep things orderly, but the inter-creditor fighting is getting juicy. Some lower priority creditors have filed new lawsuits in an apparent attempt to jump the queue. Now the special master overseeing the execution sale process wants the court to enjoin these lawsuits. Which strikes as us a reach – almost as if the execution sale process is some kind of receivership. So we asked Nate Oman, who has written about the potential use of receiverships to solve sovereign debt problems, to help us figure out what is going on. Producer: Leanna Doty

Hablamos en Chicago con la periodista Dori Toribio; con el ex directivo de PDVSA y analista político Pedro Mario Burelli, y en Buenos Aires con nuestra compañera Paz Rodríguez Niell

Today we were pleased to host Gerald Kepes, President of Competitive Energy Strategies, and Sudan Maccio, Chief Legal Counsel of PetroTal, for a discussion focused on Venezuelan politics, energy and economics. Jerry has over 40 years of experience as a consultant and petroleum geologist and is a regular contributor to Al-Monitor on the geopolitics of energy in the Middle East and North Africa. Sudan started his career at PDVSA and brings over 30 years of extensive legal experience in global energy across legal, commercial, and leadership roles. We were thrilled to bring Jerry and Sudan together to discuss the recent Venezuelan election. In our conversation, Jerry and Sudan provide an overview of the recent election and the country's opposition to President Maduro's claimed victory. We discuss the current situation on the ground with ongoing protests, reactions from neighboring countries, the refugee crisis, how the military has been corrupted to support the ruling party and the potential for shifts in loyalty, and how the crisis is influencing global markets. We explore other geopolitical crises to understand potential strategy and outcomes, the possibilities and implications of foreign intervention, and influence from outside actors including Cuba, China, Russia, Iran and even Hezbollah. We also examine the role of the US in potentially intervening, possible outcomes, long-term implications, and much more. We ended by discussing how we can help the citizens of Venezuela and amplify their humanitarian needs. It was an enlightening discussion, and we are thankful to Jerry and Sudan for sharing their insights with us all. Mike Bradley opened the conversation by highlighting that U.S. markets, so far this week, are mostly in churn-mode and laser focused on Wednesday's FOMC Rate Decision Meeting. Bond traders expect the FED to leave interest rates unchanged but are hopeful Chairman Powell will indicate that the FED could be positioned, as early as September, to cut interest rates. WTI price has moved lower over the last few weeks due to growing fundamental concerns with 2H'24 oil demand (mostly slowing Chinese demand) but has plunged this week to ~$75/bbl mostly due to “technical” factors (Brent & WTI) breaking through 50/100/200 day moving averages which is leading to an unwind of “net” long interest in the crude complex. On the broader market front, he noted a continued rotation of AI/Big Tech names into the Russell 2000 due to a growing bet that the FED will be signaling a looser interest rate policy. The recent equity rotation could quickly unwind if the FED doesn't signal a looser interest rate policy at the upcoming FOMC meeting. He also noted Q2 reporting up to this point has been dominated by Oil Services and natural-gas levered E&Ps but is now broadening out to all energy subsectors. He flagged a few key themes coming from Q2 calls including lower onshore oil service activity levels, a continuation of natural gas curtailments, and U.S. refiners highlighting that weaker refining cracks are resulting in global refining run cuts. Jeff Tillery also joined and added his perspective and inquiries to the discussion. We hope you find the discussion as insightful as we did. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Venezuelan people and we are hopeful for a peaceful and democratic resolution. Our best to you all. Thank you for your support and friendship!

El domingo se celebran las elecciones presidenciales en Venezuela: el actual presidente y candidato Nicolás Maduro, contra el ex diplomático Edmundo González. ¿Es posible una transición democrática ante una eventual victoria de la oposición?, ¿admitiría Maduro una derrota?Para este capítulo hablamos con la ex canciller, María Ángela Holguín; con el ex diputado a la Asamblea, Julio Borges; con el presidente de PDVSA ad-hoc, Horacio Medina; y con el periodista Roberto Deniz.