US President Donald Trump's second term is being shaped by his foreign policy ambitions. He's followed through on threats against Venezuela by capturing its president and his wife from their heavily fortified Caracas compound in a dramatic overnight raid.
When describing the operation, Trump dusted off the 1823 Monroe Doctrine and its promise of US supremacy in the western hemisphere—rebranding it the 'Donroe Doctrine'.
Here are some of the warnings he's made against other nations in Washington's orbit in recent days.
Greenland
The US already has a military base on Greenland—Pituffik Space Base—but Trump wants the whole island. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, he told journalists, saying the region was covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. The vast Arctic island, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is approximately 2,000 miles northeast of the US and is rich in rare earth minerals crucial for military hardware and technology.
Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen has dismissed Trump's ambitions as a fantasy, asserting that annexation is not on the table, stating, No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation. Any attempt by the US to annex Greenland could potentially jeopardize NATO relations.
Colombia
Hours after the operation in Venezuela, Trump issued a stark warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, advising him to watch his ass. Colombia, rich in oil and a key producer of minerals, is also a significant player in drug trafficking, especially cocaine.
Trump's administration has imposed sanctions on Petro's government, accusing it of allowing drug cartels to thrive. He has called Colombia's leadership a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States, threatening action if the situation doesn't change.
Iran
In light of ongoing anti-government protests, Trump warned Iran that the US would hit very hard if the authorities harm more protesters. Even though Iran is not a part of the 'Donroe Doctrine', Trump has previously threatened actions against its nuclear capabilities.
Mexico
Trump’s initial campaign was defined by promises to build a wall on the southern border, and his rhetoric about Mexico hasn't softened. He has criticized Mexican authorities for not doing enough to block drug trafficking and has suggested sending troops to combat cartels, a proposal rejected by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Cuba
With Cuba's close ties to Venezuela, Trump's potential strategy moves there are also set against a backdrop of a weakening government. He suggested military intervention wouldn't be necessary since Cuba is ready to fall, emphasizing the nation’s reliance on Venezuelan oil.
As tensions escalate in these regions, experts warn of the risk of further conflict as Trump pursues a bold reassertion of US power in the Western Hemisphere.
