David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
@drdrbrockman.bsky.social
Pinned
Welcome new Bluesky friends! I study and write about religion and politics, especially #ChristianNationalism. If you'd like to check out some of my work, here's a place to start: www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/david...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
MacCALLUM: You have about 100,000 dying from drug overdoses, most of those drugs from from Venezuela and other places
CROW: That's actually not true. The majority of the deaths by drugs in America are the result of meth and fentanyl. Almost none of that comes from Venezuela
CROW: That's actually not true. The majority of the deaths by drugs in America are the result of meth and fentanyl. Almost none of that comes from Venezuela
January 5, 2026 at 8:40 PM
MacCALLUM: You have about 100,000 dying from drug overdoses, most of those drugs from from Venezuela and other places
CROW: That's actually not true. The majority of the deaths by drugs in America are the result of meth and fentanyl. Almost none of that comes from Venezuela
CROW: That's actually not true. The majority of the deaths by drugs in America are the result of meth and fentanyl. Almost none of that comes from Venezuela
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
President Trump reiterated on Sunday that he wants to take over Greenland, prompting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark to urge him to “stop the threats” to annex the semiautonomous Danish territory.
Why Trump Wants Greenland
President Trump has reiterated his interest in annexing Denmark’s semiautonomous territory, saying it is vital for America’s national security.
nyti.ms
January 5, 2026 at 8:30 PM
President Trump reiterated on Sunday that he wants to take over Greenland, prompting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark to urge him to “stop the threats” to annex the semiautonomous Danish territory.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
“Far from making us more powerful, the pursuit of American dominance will make us weaker, eventually leaving us with no sphere, and no influence, at all,” @anneapplebaum.bsky.social argues:
Trump’s ‘American Dominance’ May Leave Us With Nothing
The president’s moves in Venezuela foretell a new global system.
bit.ly
January 5, 2026 at 6:15 PM
“Far from making us more powerful, the pursuit of American dominance will make us weaker, eventually leaving us with no sphere, and no influence, at all,” @anneapplebaum.bsky.social argues:
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
JUST IN: 9th Circuit denies en banc review of judge's order that Trump admin hand over agency firing/RIF plans. 5 judges dissent: Bumatay, R. Nelson, VanDyke, Tung (all Trump) & Callahan (GWBush). Opn: cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/op...
cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov
January 5, 2026 at 6:41 PM
JUST IN: 9th Circuit denies en banc review of judge's order that Trump admin hand over agency firing/RIF plans. 5 judges dissent: Bumatay, R. Nelson, VanDyke, Tung (all Trump) & Callahan (GWBush). Opn: cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/op...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
One in three Americans approve of the U.S. military strike on Venezuela that toppled the country's president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the South American country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
January 5, 2026 at 6:59 PM
One in three Americans approve of the U.S. military strike on Venezuela that toppled the country's president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the South American country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday.
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Out today from @gusbova.bsky.social: Highlights of our newest issue include criminal justice reporting from @michellepitcher.bsky.social, exploring Houston culture with @josephinelee.bsky.social, the war over homelessness policy with @stevanzetti.bsky.social, and much more.
Editor's Letter: Introducing Our January/February 2026 Issue
A note from the editor-in-chief
www.texasobserver.org
January 5, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Out today from @gusbova.bsky.social: Highlights of our newest issue include criminal justice reporting from @michellepitcher.bsky.social, exploring Houston culture with @josephinelee.bsky.social, the war over homelessness policy with @stevanzetti.bsky.social, and much more.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
"One in three Americans approve of the U.S. military strike on Venezuela that toppled the country's president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the South American country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll."
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Only 33% of Americans approve of US strike on Venezuela, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds
The two-day poll showed 65% of Republicans back the military operation that toppled the country's president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the country.
www.reuters.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:59 PM
"One in three Americans approve of the U.S. military strike on Venezuela that toppled the country's president and 72% worry the U.S. will become too involved in the South American country, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll."
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
www.reuters.com/world/americ...
Eleanor and I biked 6 miles this morning at scenic River Legacy Park in Arlington. Child's play for experienced cyclists, but not too shabby for a couple of olds
January 5, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Eleanor and I biked 6 miles this morning at scenic River Legacy Park in Arlington. Child's play for experienced cyclists, but not too shabby for a couple of olds
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Pretty horrific "Police operation"
Death toll rises to 80 as US invasion of Venezuela sparks global tension www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/deat...
Death toll rises to 80 as US invasion of Venezuela sparks global tension www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/deat...
Death toll rises to 80 as US invasion of Venezuela sparks global tension
The death toll from Saturday’s United States invasion of Venezuela has risen to at least 80, according to a report by The New York Times.
www.vanguardngr.com
January 4, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Pretty horrific "Police operation"
Death toll rises to 80 as US invasion of Venezuela sparks global tension www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/deat...
Death toll rises to 80 as US invasion of Venezuela sparks global tension www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/deat...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep concern” with developments in Venezuela, calling for guarantees of the country’s “sovereignty” and to ensure the rule of law and respect for Venezuelans’ human and civil rights.
Follow more live updates here: https://wapo.st/3LjfJLl
Follow more live updates here: https://wapo.st/3LjfJLl
January 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep concern” with developments in Venezuela, calling for guarantees of the country’s “sovereignty” and to ensure the rule of law and respect for Venezuelans’ human and civil rights.
Follow more live updates here: https://wapo.st/3LjfJLl
Follow more live updates here: https://wapo.st/3LjfJLl
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
1/ New Global stats for 2026 just dropped: Pentecostals/Charismatics are currently 676 million globally. Over the next 50 years, their projected growth will be nearly double, reaching 1.1 billion in 2075.
January 4, 2026 at 8:32 PM
1/ New Global stats for 2026 just dropped: Pentecostals/Charismatics are currently 676 million globally. Over the next 50 years, their projected growth will be nearly double, reaching 1.1 billion in 2075.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday sidestepped questions on whether the U.S. would run Venezuela, appearing to pivot away from President Trump’s assertion a day earlier. Rubio emphasized instead that the administration would keep a military “quarantine” on oil exports.
Rubio Stresses U.S. Plan to Coerce Venezuela Rather Than Govern It
The secretary of state said that a military “quarantine” on some oil exports would stay in place to put pressure on the country’s acting leadership.
nyti.ms
January 4, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday sidestepped questions on whether the U.S. would run Venezuela, appearing to pivot away from President Trump’s assertion a day earlier. Rubio emphasized instead that the administration would keep a military “quarantine” on oil exports.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Trump also told Fox that a “second wave” of strikes could take place in Venezuela and warned Maduro’s supporters will have a “bad future” if they stay loyal to him.
trib.al/9nxoD6G
trib.al/9nxoD6G
After Venezuela Attack, Trump Says Something Must Be Done About Mexico
Donald Trump is hinting at a military conflict with Mexico next.
trib.al
January 4, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Trump also told Fox that a “second wave” of strikes could take place in Venezuela and warned Maduro’s supporters will have a “bad future” if they stay loyal to him.
trib.al/9nxoD6G
trib.al/9nxoD6G
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
EXCLUSIVE: In an interview with Michael Scherer, Donald Trump threatened Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, with a fate worse than Maduro’s; defended regime change in the country; and expressed renewed interest in the U.S. seizing Greenland. theatln.tc/UMxts5sR
January 4, 2026 at 9:11 PM
EXCLUSIVE: In an interview with Michael Scherer, Donald Trump threatened Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, with a fate worse than Maduro’s; defended regime change in the country; and expressed renewed interest in the U.S. seizing Greenland. theatln.tc/UMxts5sR
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
BREAKING: The U.S. won’t govern Venezuela, but will press changes through an oil blockade, Rubio says, after Trump claims of running the country.
Venezuela live updates: Uncertainty and legal questions remain after US captures Maduro
The Trump administration’s capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and claims that it will “run” the country are raising stark new questions about the legality of the U.S. actions and its future operations in the South American nation.
bit.ly
January 4, 2026 at 5:40 PM
BREAKING: The U.S. won’t govern Venezuela, but will press changes through an oil blockade, Rubio says, after Trump claims of running the country.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Venezuelan Official Says at Least 40 People Were Killed in U.S. Attack
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/w...
Venezuelan Official Says at Least 40 People Were Killed in U.S. Attack
www.nytimes.com
January 4, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Venezuelan Official Says at Least 40 People Were Killed in U.S. Attack
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/w...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
As of tomorrow, when Rep. Greene leaves the House, Speaker Johnson's problem gets worse, with a 218-213 margin.
He can only afford to lose TWO votes from the GOP on any vote assuming Dems vote no (and remember that a tie means the vote fails):
218-213 would become 215-216 if he loses three votes.
He can only afford to lose TWO votes from the GOP on any vote assuming Dems vote no (and remember that a tie means the vote fails):
218-213 would become 215-216 if he loses three votes.
January 4, 2026 at 6:39 PM
As of tomorrow, when Rep. Greene leaves the House, Speaker Johnson's problem gets worse, with a 218-213 margin.
He can only afford to lose TWO votes from the GOP on any vote assuming Dems vote no (and remember that a tie means the vote fails):
218-213 would become 215-216 if he loses three votes.
He can only afford to lose TWO votes from the GOP on any vote assuming Dems vote no (and remember that a tie means the vote fails):
218-213 would become 215-216 if he loses three votes.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
All of this has a “Mission Accomplished” feel, and like that precedent, will be seen and evaluated through the prism of what happens over the next few months, not this weekend’s moment of self proclaimed triumphalism.
January 4, 2026 at 7:05 PM
All of this has a “Mission Accomplished” feel, and like that precedent, will be seen and evaluated through the prism of what happens over the next few months, not this weekend’s moment of self proclaimed triumphalism.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
"I asked him whether the attack on Venezuela could indicate a willingness to take military action to seize control of Greenland ....
Trump said, 'I really don’t know. ... I wasn’t referring to Greenland at that time. But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.'”
Trump said, 'I really don’t know. ... I wasn’t referring to Greenland at that time. But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.'”
Trump Threatens Venezuela’s New Leader With a Fate Worse Than Maduro’s
The president told The Atlantic that Delcy Rodríguez needs to comply with U.S. wishes—or else.
www.theatlantic.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:36 PM
"I asked him whether the attack on Venezuela could indicate a willingness to take military action to seize control of Greenland ....
Trump said, 'I really don’t know. ... I wasn’t referring to Greenland at that time. But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.'”
Trump said, 'I really don’t know. ... I wasn’t referring to Greenland at that time. But we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense.'”
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Trump has golfed on 16 of the past 50 days; he's been at Mar-a-Lago for all or part of almost half of those days.
www.pbump.net/o/an-officia...
www.pbump.net/o/an-officia...
An official accounting of Trump’s golf and customer service time
It remains the case that President Trump doesn't particularly seem to like the White House. During his first time in office, there was reporting to this effect; in 2017, he allegedly told members of h...
www.pbump.net
January 4, 2026 at 7:51 PM
Trump has golfed on 16 of the past 50 days; he's been at Mar-a-Lago for all or part of almost half of those days.
www.pbump.net/o/an-officia...
www.pbump.net/o/an-officia...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
EXCLUSIVE: In an interview with Michael Scherer, Donald Trump threatened Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, with a fate worse than Maduro’s; defended regime change in the country; and expressed renewed interest in the U.S. seizing Greenland.
Trump: Delcy Rodríguez Might Be Next
The president told The Atlantic that the interim Venezuelan president will meet a fate worse than Maduro’s unless she complies with U.S. wishes.
bit.ly
January 4, 2026 at 5:26 PM
EXCLUSIVE: In an interview with Michael Scherer, Donald Trump threatened Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, with a fate worse than Maduro’s; defended regime change in the country; and expressed renewed interest in the U.S. seizing Greenland.
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Dan Bongino has departed FBI, per statement
January 4, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Dan Bongino has departed FBI, per statement
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
I often get asked why markets aren’t more freaked out by Trumpism. Here are a few theories, including: are you sure they *aren’t*?
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Trump Says We Have the “Hottest” Economy. Markets Tell a Different Story.
The U.S. economy entered 2025 as the “envy of the world.” It exited well behind its peers.
open.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 2:12 PM
I often get asked why markets aren’t more freaked out by Trumpism. Here are a few theories, including: are you sure they *aren’t*?
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...
Reposted by David R. Brockman, Ph.D.
Rep. Seth Moulton comes on CNN and starts by saying: "Is anyone going to just stop for a second and be honest? This is insane. What the hell are we doing? We've got a lot of problems in America today, and invading / occupying / running Venezuela does not solve any of them."
January 3, 2026 at 6:46 PM
Rep. Seth Moulton comes on CNN and starts by saying: "Is anyone going to just stop for a second and be honest? This is insane. What the hell are we doing? We've got a lot of problems in America today, and invading / occupying / running Venezuela does not solve any of them."