In the wake of recent events, US President Donald Trump's foreign policy ambitions are becoming clearer as he embarks on his second term. Following a dramatic overnight raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuela's president and his wife from a fortified compound in Caracas, Trump has reinforced his stance on various nations within Washington's sphere of influence. During this operation, he invoked the historic Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the Donroe Doctrine, emphasizing US supremacy in the Western Hemisphere. Here, we explore some of the countries that may be in Trump’s sights following his actions in Venezuela.
Trump's interest in Greenland is not new; the US currently maintains a military base there, known as Pituffik Space Base. However, Trump has expressed a desire to acquire the entire island, citing national security concerns. He remarked, "We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security," highlighting the presence of Russian and Chinese naval vessels in the region. Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is strategically located approximately 2,000 miles (3,200 km) northeast of the US.
The vast Arctic island is rich in rare earth minerals, essential for the production of smartphones, electric vehicles, and military hardware. Currently, China's dominance in rare earth production presents a challenge for the US. As climate change leads to the melting of polar ice, new shipping routes in the Arctic Circle may emerge, increasing Greenland's importance. In response to Trump's comments, Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen dismissed the idea of US control, stating, “No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation.” He emphasized the need for dialogue based on respect for international law.
Shortly after the Venezuelan operation, Trump issued a warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying, "Watch your ass." Colombia, which shares a border with Venezuela, is rich in oil and precious minerals, and plays a significant role in the drug trade, particularly cocaine production. Since September, the US has been targeting boats in the Caribbean, alleging drug trafficking without providing evidence, and tensions have escalated between Trump and Petro.
In October, the US imposed sanctions on Petro, accusing his administration of allowing drug cartels to thrive. Trump has not held back in his criticism, labeling Colombia as being run by "a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States." When asked about the possibility of military action in Colombia, Trump remarked, "It sounds good to me." Historically, Colombia has been a close ally in the US's war on drugs, receiving substantial military aid to combat cartels.
As Iran grapples with widespread anti-government protests, Trump has issued stern warnings regarding the treatment of demonstrators. He stated, "If they start killing people like they have in the past, I think they're going to get hit very hard by the United States." Although Iran may not fall directly under the Donroe Doctrine, Trump has previously threatened the Iranian regime, particularly after US strikes on its nuclear facilities last year.
These military actions followed a significant Israeli operation aimed at neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities, which sparked a brief but intense conflict. Discussions about Iran were reportedly at the forefront during a recent meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with potential new strikes against Iran being a topic of concern for the future.
Trump's 2016 campaign was heavily characterized by his promise to Build the Wall along the US-Mexico border. Upon returning to office in 2025, he signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, signaling a renewed focus on Mexico. Trump has consistently criticized Mexican authorities for not doing enough to curb drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the US.
During a recent statement, he lamented the continuous flow of drugs across the border, asserting, "We're gonna have to do something," and pointed out the strength of Mexican cartels. In response, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any notion of US military intervention on Mexican soil.
As tensions rise across the region, Cuba remains a focal point in Trump's foreign policy discussions. While specific threats or actions regarding Cuba have not been detailed, its proximity to the US and its historical significance in US foreign relations ensure that it will continue to be monitored closely.
In conclusion, as Trump navigates his second term, the geopolitical landscape is shifting, with various nations under scrutiny. Whether through military action, diplomatic pressure, or sanctions, Trump's approach signals a renewed emphasis on asserting US influence in the Americas and beyond.