US President Donald Trump’s second term is being defined by bold foreign policy moves, including the dramatic overnight raid that captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their heavily fortified Caracas compound.
In discussing the operation, Trump revived the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, which asserted US supremacy in the Western Hemisphere, jokingly rebranding it the “Donroe Doctrine.”
The president has also issued a series of warnings to other nations within Washington’s orbit in recent days, signalling a more aggressive international stance.
Here’s a list of 5 countries now in line for Trump’s attention:
1. Greenland Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security concerns and the presence of Russian and Chinese activity, as well as the island’s strategic location and rare earth minerals. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen rejected the idea as a “fantasy,” insisting any discussions must respect international law.
2. Colombia The US leader has threatened Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of enabling drug cartels and suggesting US action could follow, despite Colombia historically being a close US ally in the war on drugs. The dispute has escalated after US sanctions and strikes on suspected drug shipments, with Trump describing Colombia’s leadership as “a sick man” running the country.
3. Iran The President warned that Iran could face severe US retaliation if anti-government protests lead to more deaths, signalling continued pressure on Tehran. Though outside the “Donroe Doctrine,” the US has previously struck Iranian nuclear sites and continues to discuss potential new actions with Israel.
4. Mexico Trump has renewed focus on border security and drug trafficking, claiming Mexico is failing to stop the flow of drugs and illegal immigration into the US. Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any US military intervention, despite Trump’s warnings that cartels there are “very strong.”
5. Cuba He has suggested US military action is unnecessary in Cuba, predicting the country will collapse economically following the loss of Venezuelan oil supplies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed concerns, warning the Cuban government should take Trump’s statements seriously.