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The Left HookAuthor: Mark Bland
Hosted by Mark Bland, The Left Hook is a current affairs and pop culture show with a political twist. Weekly the guys interview actors, writers, artist and a revolving cast of characters to bring you multiple views of some of the most controversial and engaging topics of our time. Language: en Genres: News, News Commentary, Politics Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Left Hook - 20 - Rogue
Monday, 12 January, 2026
The latest episode of The Left Hook, hosted by Mark Bland with guest Jason Kull, delivers a fiery critique of President Trump's early 2026 actions, framing them as evidence of a rogue presidency detached from law, protocol, and basic decency. Hosts highlight Trump's unilateral military raid on Venezuela, where U.S. forces abducted President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in early January, whisking them to New York for trial on drug and weapons charges. Trump has declared the U.S. will "run" Venezuela indefinitely, controlling its massive oil reserves and revenues—potentially billions—while claiming it reimburses America and benefits U.S. companies. Critics call this an illegal invasion and resource grab, violating international law and echoing imperial overreach, with no congressional approval and Congress attempting (but likely failing) to limit his war powers. The move has sparked global condemnation, protests, and fears of prolonged occupation. Tying into domestic overreach, the episode condemns a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis: 37-year-old U.S. citizen and mother of three Renee Nicole Good was killed by an agent during an immigration operation. Video evidence shows her attempting to drive away, not charge officers, yet DHS and Trump allies labeled it self-defense and smeared her as an agitator. Local leaders demand accountability, but federal takeover of the investigation blocks state access, fueling outrage over clumsy, unnecessary force and impunity under Trump. Bland and Kull argue Trump disregards norms—kidnapping foreign leaders, seizing assets for personal or national gain, ignoring Congress, and defending deadly errors—while surrounded by figures like Stephen Miller pushing aggressive, unapologetic power plays. They say this transcends left-right divides: it's about decency versus indecency, with calls for impeachment, resignation, or public vote to rein him in before more harm. They are urgent, warning Americans their tax dollars and military enable a leader gone rogue, eroding U.S. reputation worldwide.
