Trump Unveils ‘Donroe Doctrine’ as Foreign Policy Ambitions Escalate After Venezuela Operation

Following the dramatic military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy ambitions appear to have entered a new phase.

Invoking the spirit of the historic 1823 Monroe Doctrine, Trump has announced what he calls the “Donroe Doctrine”—a new strategic vision aimed at securing exclusive US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Signals from Washington suggest that after Venezuela, at least five other countries or regions are now under Trump’s special focus.

Greenland

Topping the list is Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark. Rich in rare minerals and strategically located in the North Atlantic, Trump has argued that acquiring Greenland is necessary for US national security, citing increased Russian and Chinese naval activity in the region. Both Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have firmly rejected Trump’s proposal, calling it unrealistic. Nevertheless, Trump’s insistence has fueled fresh tensions within NATO.

Colombia

In South America, Colombia may be Trump’s next major target. Shortly after the Venezuela operation, Trump warned Colombia’s leftist President Gustavo Petro to be concerned about his personal security. Trump has accused Petro of being a “sick man” who allegedly facilitates drug trafficking into the United States. When asked about the possibility of military action against Colombia, Trump responded positively, triggering serious diplomatic strain between the two longtime allies.

Iran

In the Middle East, Iran is firmly in Trump’s crosshairs. Referring to ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, Trump issued a stern warning that any crackdown on protesters would prompt strong US military action. Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, analysts say Trump has not ruled out renewed strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Mexico

Closer to home, Trump has signaled a tougher stance toward Mexico, particularly on drug trafficking and migration across the border. Soon after returning to office, he signed an executive order renaming the “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America” and has left open the possibility of direct military intervention against drug cartels operating across the border.

Cuba

Finally, Trump has turned his attention to Cuba. He claims the island nation—heavily dependent on Venezuelan oil—is on the brink of economic collapse. Trump believes that after Maduro’s downfall, Cuba’s communist government will weaken on its own, making immediate military intervention unnecessary. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Havana not to take Trump’s statements lightly.

Countries across Latin America and Europe are now watching closely, expressing deep concern over what may come next under Trump’s so-called Donroe Doctrine.