WASHINGTON- President Donald Trump has reshaped US foreign policy in his second term through a direct military operation in Venezuela and a series of explicit warnings to other governments. The approach blends force, deterrence, and conditional diplomacy to reassert US dominance.
Following the Venezuela raid, Washington placed several regions on high alert, citing security, energy, and geopolitical competition. According to the BBC, the administration’s messaging reflects a calculated escalation rather than isolated rhetoric.
Photo: USAF
Trump Venezuela Military Raid
The US military operation, formally named Operation Absolute Resolve, unfolded overnight in Caracas.
American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, from a heavily fortified compound.
Following the raid, President Trump stated that Washington would effectively oversee Venezuela’s future governance.
In public remarks, Trump revived the 1823 Monroe Doctrine and rebranded it as the “Donroe Doctrine,” framing it as a modern assertion of US supremacy across the Western Hemisphere.
The White House reinforced the message by releasing a stark image of the president captioned “No Games. FAFO,” signaling zero tolerance for defiance.
A second wave of strikes was initially planned but later canceled after Caracas signaled cooperation with US authorities.
Trump stated that Venezuela could have been destroyed with an additional strike, but that restraint was chosen due to improved coordination. Despite the pause, US naval assets remain deployed in the region for security purposes.
Photo: US Air Force in Europe
Greenland and Arctic Power Competition
Greenland has become a focal point of US strategic planning due to its Arctic position and mineral wealth.
The island already hosts the US Pituffik Space Base, yet the administration has indicated interest in acquiring broader control to counter Russian and Chinese activity.
Trump stated that he preferred to secure Greenland through negotiation but warned that alternatives existed if talks failed.
The White House confirmed that a range of options, including force, was under consideration. Greenland’s rare earth resources are critical for defense systems, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics, an area where China currently dominates global supply.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any U.S. attack would threaten the stability of NATO.
Greenland’s leadership rejected annexation outright, insisting that any dialogue must respect international law.
Photo: USAF
Colombia and Escalating Drug War
Colombia has faced sharp criticism from Washington over narcotics trafficking. Shortly after the Venezuela operation, Trump warned President Gustavo Petro to “watch his ass,” accusing his administration of allowing cartels to thrive.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Petro’s government in October, citing failures to curb cocaine production and trafficking.
American forces have also conducted maritime strikes on vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, alleging drug smuggling activities.
Trump stated that a US invasion “sounds good,” remarks that drew a fierce response from Petro, who said Colombia would resist militarily if attacked.
Despite recent diplomatic outreach and a conciliatory phone call between the two leaders, tensions remain high. Colombia has historically received substantial U.S. military assistance as a key partner in counter-narcotics operations.
Photo: SrA Iain Stanley/Air Force
Iran Under Renewed US Warnings
Iran has been placed under scrutiny amid widespread anti-government protests. Trump warned that Iranian authorities would face severe consequences if security forces used lethal force against demonstrators.
The warning follows last year’s US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which came after a major Israeli operation aimed at crippling Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Those events culminated in a 12-day Israel–Iran conflict.
In a recent meeting at Mar-a-Lago between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran was a central topic, with reports indicating discussions about potential future strikes.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei accused protesters of acting on U.S. influence and vowed not to back down.
Photo: USAF
Mexico and the Prospect of Cartel Strikes
Mexico remains a cornerstone of Trump’s security agenda. He has repeatedly claimed that drugs are pouring into the U.S. and that cartels wield more power than the government itself.
Trump stated that US land strikes against cartels could begin, framing the move as an extension of his war on drugs.
He also ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed the “Gulf of America” on his first day back in office.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected any foreign military presence, reinforcing Mexico’s sovereignty.
Photo: By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo – US Air Force, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68131933
Cuba’s Economic Exposure
Cuba has long depended on Venezuela for energy supplies, receiving roughly 30 percent of its oil in exchange for medical services. With Maduro removed, Havana faces mounting economic pressure.
Trump suggested that no military action was necessary, stating that Cuba was close to collapse due to lost income.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, warned that Cuban officials should be concerned and emphasized that the administration’s statements should be taken seriously.
Photo: By Royal Air Force – http://www.defenceimagery.mod.uk/fotoweb/archives/5000-Current%20News/Archive%20(Raf)/RAF/2019/August/38GpPO-OFFICIAL-20190829-191-222.jpg, OGL v1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81935490
Nigeria and Conditional Counterterrorism Strikes
Nigeria has also drawn warnings from Washington. Trump authorized Christmas Day strikes against Islamic State militants after attacks on Christian communities, describing the action as a deterrent.
He warned that further violence could trigger repeated US strikes. While the administration cited religious persecution, analysts note that land disputes, resource competition, and criminal activity also drive instability in the region.
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