Robert Farley
@drfarls.bsky.social
Co-founder Lawyers, Guns and Money. Works at Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky
Reposted by Robert Farley
Are we going to maintain an 'armada' in the Caribbean indefinitely, ready to bomb Venezuela or kidnap the oil minister or whatever any day we don't like some decision? You really can't "run" a nation like that
A former staffer said that U.S. officials would not be performing a formal occupation like in Iraq. “We’re going to tell them: ‘Hey, this is what you have to do in order for there not to be another strike. That’s what [Trump] sees as running the country.” www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Rubio takes on most challenging role yet: Viceroy of Venezuela
The top U.S. diplomat has pushed for regime change for over a decade. Now the hard part begins.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 4, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Are we going to maintain an 'armada' in the Caribbean indefinitely, ready to bomb Venezuela or kidnap the oil minister or whatever any day we don't like some decision? You really can't "run" a nation like that
Reposted by Robert Farley
New: Trump admin officials tell Zeteo that Trump is “very interested” in secret plans drawn up last year to send US Special Forces into Mexico.
One official even says Trump recently asked for updates on preparations for a possible operation.
One official even says Trump recently asked for updates on preparations for a possible operation.
After Trump’s Venezuela Invasion, Mexico Could Be Next
Officials tell Zeteo that Trump remains ‘very interested’ in the idea of sending US Special Forces into Mexico, as the president threatens Colombia and Cuba, too.
zeteo.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:53 PM
New: Trump admin officials tell Zeteo that Trump is “very interested” in secret plans drawn up last year to send US Special Forces into Mexico.
One official even says Trump recently asked for updates on preparations for a possible operation.
One official even says Trump recently asked for updates on preparations for a possible operation.
Reposted by Robert Farley
The idea that Trump-MAGA are "anti-interventionist" is based on a confused reading of their hatred of multilateralism and international law and institutions. I argued this during Iran bombing debate (h/t @zackbeauchamp.bsky.social and @nicholasgrossman.bsky.social):
newrepublic.com/article/1969...
newrepublic.com/article/1969...
January 4, 2026 at 3:17 PM
The idea that Trump-MAGA are "anti-interventionist" is based on a confused reading of their hatred of multilateralism and international law and institutions. I argued this during Iran bombing debate (h/t @zackbeauchamp.bsky.social and @nicholasgrossman.bsky.social):
newrepublic.com/article/1969...
newrepublic.com/article/1969...
So, I watched a lot more network news (CNN, CBS) yesterday than I normally do, and I am saddened to report that folks who get their impression of how the networks covered this attack from Bluesky are… badly misinformed.
January 4, 2026 at 5:48 PM
So, I watched a lot more network news (CNN, CBS) yesterday than I normally do, and I am saddened to report that folks who get their impression of how the networks covered this attack from Bluesky are… badly misinformed.
Would like to mute everything here that starts with “why won’t the Dems DO something” or “the elite media is in the tank for,” but that wouldn’t really leave very much content…
January 4, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Would like to mute everything here that starts with “why won’t the Dems DO something” or “the elite media is in the tank for,” but that wouldn’t really leave very much content…
Reposted by Robert Farley
"there is a risk that the army splits. Some factions may back Ms Rodríguez; others may want power for themselves or Mr Padrino; a few, perhaps joining with dissident soldiers who have already fled... could push for Ms Machado’s return." www.economist.com/the-americas...
The many risks to Donald Trump’s plans to “run” Venezuela
The regime that was led by Nicolás Maduro may well prove tricky to control
www.economist.com
January 4, 2026 at 2:45 PM
"there is a risk that the army splits. Some factions may back Ms Rodríguez; others may want power for themselves or Mr Padrino; a few, perhaps joining with dissident soldiers who have already fled... could push for Ms Machado’s return." www.economist.com/the-americas...
Reposted by Robert Farley
Let’s Ask Ivan!
Let's Ask Ivan! - Lawyers, Guns & Money
You would not believe that Quincy, in an article about how Ukrainians truly, sincerely want to end the war, would give extensive space to a dude in Russian-occupied Ukraine: According to Ivan, who lives in eastern Ukraine under Moscow’s control, the proposals concerning halting further NATO enlargement “are key, as it was the expansion of NATO to […]
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Let’s Ask Ivan!
Let’s Ask Ivan! www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/lets...
Let's Ask Ivan! - Lawyers, Guns & Money
You would not believe that Quincy, in an article about how Ukrainians truly, sincerely want to end the war, would give extensive space to a dude in Russian-occupied Ukraine: According to Ivan, who liv...
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:44 PM
Let’s Ask Ivan! www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/lets...
Reposted by Robert Farley
This by @drfarls.bsky.social is great.
“One Democratic senator has supported the attack – John Fetterman, who is far away from being an establishment liberal.
Here’s what other Democratic senators are saying. Note that this is an incomplete list,” 👇🏽
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/the-...
“One Democratic senator has supported the attack – John Fetterman, who is far away from being an establishment liberal.
Here’s what other Democratic senators are saying. Note that this is an incomplete list,” 👇🏽
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/the-...
The Dem Reaction - Lawyers, Guns & Money
Where are the Democrats right now? Friend of the blog Jamie Mayerfeld has done the research: I saw someone write on Facebook: “Only a short matter of time before we see establishment liberals falling ...
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com
January 4, 2026 at 3:40 AM
This by @drfarls.bsky.social is great.
“One Democratic senator has supported the attack – John Fetterman, who is far away from being an establishment liberal.
Here’s what other Democratic senators are saying. Note that this is an incomplete list,” 👇🏽
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/the-...
“One Democratic senator has supported the attack – John Fetterman, who is far away from being an establishment liberal.
Here’s what other Democratic senators are saying. Note that this is an incomplete list,” 👇🏽
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/the-...
Remind me was I supposed to hate Marty Supreme for some reason?
January 4, 2026 at 3:22 AM
Remind me was I supposed to hate Marty Supreme for some reason?
Reposted by Robert Farley
to put it lightly this is not how Ds sounded during 2003 and the invasion of Iraq
The Dem Reaction - Lawyers, Guns & Money
Where are the Democrats right now? Friend of the blog Jamie Mayerfeld has done the research: I saw someone write on Facebook: “Only a short matter of time before we see establishment liberals falling ...
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com
January 3, 2026 at 9:40 PM
to put it lightly this is not how Ds sounded during 2003 and the invasion of Iraq
Reposted by Robert Farley
This is a great formulation of the importance and value of international law.
Many people dismiss it with cynicism masquerading as realism.
But if it weren't important, powerful states wouldn't go through so much trouble justifying the legality of their actions.
Many people dismiss it with cynicism masquerading as realism.
But if it weren't important, powerful states wouldn't go through so much trouble justifying the legality of their actions.
I've proudly said before that the logic of the third worldist is right in many respects and that the law is fake but also the law is real and third worldists themselves have used it to advance their own struggle. I like the law and want it to be enforced. post-ideology is where hitlerism emanates
January 3, 2026 at 10:23 PM
This is a great formulation of the importance and value of international law.
Many people dismiss it with cynicism masquerading as realism.
But if it weren't important, powerful states wouldn't go through so much trouble justifying the legality of their actions.
Many people dismiss it with cynicism masquerading as realism.
But if it weren't important, powerful states wouldn't go through so much trouble justifying the legality of their actions.
Reposted by Robert Farley
It’s like people forget he’s already been impeached twice & it did nothing to change his behavior & Dems don’t appear to have enjoyed any political benefit from it
Unless/until enough Senate Republicans are talking about voting to convict* Dems pushing impeachment accomplishes nothing
Unless/until enough Senate Republicans are talking about voting to convict* Dems pushing impeachment accomplishes nothing
Just to be clear, Trump will not be removed from office for this, at least not unless it becomes a quagmire. Push for impeachment if you want, but do it for good reasons (& there may be many) that are not contingent on Trump being impeached by the House & convicted by the Senate.
January 3, 2026 at 9:21 PM
It’s like people forget he’s already been impeached twice & it did nothing to change his behavior & Dems don’t appear to have enjoyed any political benefit from it
Unless/until enough Senate Republicans are talking about voting to convict* Dems pushing impeachment accomplishes nothing
Unless/until enough Senate Republicans are talking about voting to convict* Dems pushing impeachment accomplishes nothing
Reposted by Robert Farley
the photographer was definitely like, "ok everybody, look tough!" but we know they're all just reading tweets with their arms crossed in a country club dining room divided up by bedsheets tacked to the beams
January 3, 2026 at 6:36 PM
the photographer was definitely like, "ok everybody, look tough!" but we know they're all just reading tweets with their arms crossed in a country club dining room divided up by bedsheets tacked to the beams
Reposted by Robert Farley
Many of the people screaming at Democrats never said a word or respect, support, or appreciation to Joe Biden when he pulled the US troops out of Afghanistan.
January 3, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Many of the people screaming at Democrats never said a word or respect, support, or appreciation to Joe Biden when he pulled the US troops out of Afghanistan.
The Dem Reaction www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/the-...
The Dem Reaction - Lawyers, Guns & Money
Where are the Democrats right now? Friend of the blog Jamie Mayerfeld has done the research: I saw someone write on Facebook: “Only a short matter of time before we see establishment liberals falling ...
www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:52 PM
The Dem Reaction www.lawyersgunsmoneyblog.com/2026/01/the-...
Reposted by Robert Farley
Saying or strongly implying that Trump was the anti-war and the youthful energy and vitality candidate in 2024 was basically the quickest way you could earn a quick paycheck from the Atlantic
January 3, 2026 at 8:40 PM
Saying or strongly implying that Trump was the anti-war and the youthful energy and vitality candidate in 2024 was basically the quickest way you could earn a quick paycheck from the Atlantic
Reposted by Robert Farley
I beg Americans to imagine an EU strike force -- stop laughing! -- abducts Trump only, and the next day Brussels is talking about how JD Vance will have to comply and an A350 full of CEOs from windmill, non-GMO cheese, and metric ruler firms is headed for Manhattan to discuss terms
And there ya have it…
Officials from top Wall Street firms will be traveling to Venezuela to investigate “investment prospects” of the country. “The trip will feature about 20 officials from the finance, energy and defense sectors.”
Officials from top Wall Street firms will be traveling to Venezuela to investigate “investment prospects” of the country. “The trip will feature about 20 officials from the finance, energy and defense sectors.”
Finance Industry Eyes Investment Opportunities in Venezuela
Some on Wall Street are already considering possible investment opportunities in Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, according to Charles Myers, chairman of consulting firm Signum Globa...
www.wsj.com
January 3, 2026 at 8:15 PM
I beg Americans to imagine an EU strike force -- stop laughing! -- abducts Trump only, and the next day Brussels is talking about how JD Vance will have to comply and an A350 full of CEOs from windmill, non-GMO cheese, and metric ruler firms is headed for Manhattan to discuss terms
Reposted by Robert Farley
Hours after the U.S. invaded Venezuela to seize President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump sent a warning to the governments of Mexico, Cuba and Colombia that their countries could be next.
www.axios.com/2026/01/03/t...
www.axios.com/2026/01/03/t...
Trump signals more Latin American invasions could be next after capturing Maduro
"Something's going to have to be done with Mexico," Trump told Fox and Friends.
www.axios.com
January 3, 2026 at 7:29 PM
Hours after the U.S. invaded Venezuela to seize President Nicolás Maduro, President Trump sent a warning to the governments of Mexico, Cuba and Colombia that their countries could be next.
www.axios.com/2026/01/03/t...
www.axios.com/2026/01/03/t...
I am fucking SHOCKED that the new President of Venezuela is not going to do everything the Trump administration wants.
January 3, 2026 at 7:28 PM
I am fucking SHOCKED that the new President of Venezuela is not going to do everything the Trump administration wants.
Reposted by Robert Farley
Let's be real. Trump does nothing else but open Pandora's Boxes every chance he gets & doesn't give a damn what happens afterwards.
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora’s Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened - www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/vene...
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora's Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened
After U.S. strikes and Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s power vacuum could spiral—while Washington’s new precedent risks diplomacy and blowback.
www.19fortyfive.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:42 PM
Let's be real. Trump does nothing else but open Pandora's Boxes every chance he gets & doesn't give a damn what happens afterwards.
Reposted by Robert Farley
Regime collapse is not guaranteed, civil conflict could follow, migration and instability could worsen, and the US risks owning the fallout without real control on the ground. Let’s be real, Trump doesn’t have a plan.
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora’s Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened - www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/vene...
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora's Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened
After U.S. strikes and Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s power vacuum could spiral—while Washington’s new precedent risks diplomacy and blowback.
www.19fortyfive.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Regime collapse is not guaranteed, civil conflict could follow, migration and instability could worsen, and the US risks owning the fallout without real control on the ground. Let’s be real, Trump doesn’t have a plan.
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora’s Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened - www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/vene...
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora's Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened
After U.S. strikes and Maduro’s capture, Venezuela’s power vacuum could spiral—while Washington’s new precedent risks diplomacy and blowback.
www.19fortyfive.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Venezuela Could Be the Pandora’s Box Donald Trump Wished He Never Opened - www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/vene...
Reposted by Robert Farley
Wake up babe, Sohrab Ahmari has changed ideologies again.
I swear this man has 4 people living in his brain; and they are all stupid.
I swear this man has 4 people living in his brain; and they are all stupid.
January 3, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Wake up babe, Sohrab Ahmari has changed ideologies again.
I swear this man has 4 people living in his brain; and they are all stupid.
I swear this man has 4 people living in his brain; and they are all stupid.
Reposted by Robert Farley
Trump just announces the US will be running Venezuela now, until the can do a "safe, proper, and judicious" transfer of power. Announcing an occupation before you've occupied a country is a new one.
January 3, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Trump just announces the US will be running Venezuela now, until the can do a "safe, proper, and judicious" transfer of power. Announcing an occupation before you've occupied a country is a new one.