Are Trump's strikes in Venezuela a 'war on drugs' - or a grab for oil?

Are Trump's strikes in Venezuela a 'war on drugs' - or a grab for oil?

Author: The Times September 30, 2025 Duration: 26:56

Off the coast of Venezuela, a small armada of US navy warships and a fleet of fighter jets have struck several small boats, killing 17 people. The Trump administration says the boats were carrying drugs to the US; Venezuela says they were fishing vessels. But does President Trump really care about winning the war on drugs? Or is there another motive?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Jon Bonfiglio, journalist in Latin America. 

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Micaela Arneson. 

Read more: Trump has Maduro in his sights. Will it mean war in the Caribbean?

Clips: NBC News, Bloomberg News, Forbes Breaking News, Republic World, US Justice Department, Diario AS.

Photo: Getty Images.


Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com     

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
The Sunday Edition: Korea's 4b 'anti-men' movement comes to America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:25
This episode was originally published last November.No sex, no babies, no marriage, no men. In 2018 a niche feminist movement started in South Korea as a reaction to the country’s entrenched misogyny. It pledged four ‘no…
How To Be PM In A Global Crisis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:33
With Keir Starmer focused on diplomacy over Ukraine, the political masterminds ask if the domestic agenda always has to suffer during major world events. When does a foreign conflict turn into a 'Falklands moment', and w…
Why Trump is gambling the US economy on crypto [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
Donald Trump has said he will make the US the crypto capital of the world, as investors and CEOs gather at the White House today for his government’s first crypto summit. On the agenda are plans to create a federal crypt…
Why so many planes are crashing in North America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:27
So far this year, there have been multiple fatal plane crashes and near-misses in North America, leaving 87 dead. President Trump has blamed diversity initiatives, with no evidence. But experts point to a different probl…
Why the Americans are helping Andrew Tate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:43
The self-proclaimed misogynistic influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan arrived in the US last week, after the American government lobbied for the brothers to have a travel ban lifted. They are currently facing c…
At the border crossing where Trump’s migrant ban is working [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
People who once flooded north across the river between Guatemala and Mexico are trickling south again, their dream of reaching the US ended by President Trump's crackdown. What's it like having to turn back when you've g…
Onslaught in the Oval Office [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:36
As the world comes to terms with the fallout from Friday night’s unprecedented Oval Office clash between President Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, what does it mean for the prospects of peace, and could this be t…
How To Tell Jokes, Deal With Trump, And Welcome Sally [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:36
We're welcoming a new political mastermind to the podcast this week - Sally Morgan has been a Labour insider since the days of Neil Kinnock and went on to be Tony Blair's right-hand woman in Downing Street, at his side f…
My son Charlie - and the breakthrough that changed our lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:00
When James Coney's son Charlie missed milestone after milestone, he knew something wasn't right. It would take 12 years before one phone call would change their lives. They learned that, not only was there finally an ans…