US President Donald Trump’s second term is increasingly defined by an aggressive foreign policy agenda, with Venezuela now at its centre.
Trump has followed through on long-standing threats by ordering the dramatic overnight capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their heavily guarded residence in Caracas.
Describing the operation, Trump revived the 1823 Monroe Doctrine which asserts US dominance in the Western Hemisphere rebranding it the “Donroe Doctrine”.
In recent days, the president has issued warnings toward several other countries that could now face increased pressure from Washington.
Greenland
Although the US already operates a military base on Greenland the Pituffik Space Base — Trump has made it clear he wants control of the entire island.
“We need Greenland from a national security standpoint,” he told reporters, claiming Russian and Chinese vessels were operating extensively in the region.
Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, lies around 2,000 miles northeast of the US. It holds vast reserves of rare earth minerals, vital for technology, electric vehicles and military equipment. Currently, China dominates global production of these materials.
The island also occupies a strategic position in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, which are becoming increasingly important as melting ice opens new shipping routes.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen dismissed Trump’s comments, calling the idea of US annexation a “fantasy” and insisting that any dialogue must respect international law.
Colombia
Only hours after the Venezuelan operation, Trump issued a blunt warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
Colombia, which borders Venezuela, is rich in oil and minerals and plays a central role in the global cocaine trade. Relations between Washington and Bogotá have deteriorated since the US began striking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific last year, claiming they were involved in drug trafficking.
In October, the US imposed sanctions on Petro’s government, accusing it of allowing criminal cartels to thrive.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump accused Colombia of being run by “a sick man” and suggested military action was a possibility, saying, “It sounds good to me.”
This marks a sharp shift in tone toward a country that has historically been a key US ally in anti-drug efforts.
Iran
Iran has also drawn Trump’s attention amid widespread anti-government protests.
He warned that Iranian authorities would face severe consequences if protesters continued to be killed. “If they start killing people like they have in the past, they’re going to get hit very hard,” he said.
Although Iran lies outside the traditional scope of the Monroe Doctrine, Trump has previously ordered strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, following Israeli attacks that led to a brief but intense regional conflict.
Iran reportedly featured prominently in recent discussions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with US media suggesting further strikes could be considered in 2026.
Mexico
Trump’s political rise was originally fueled by tough rhetoric on Mexico, particularly over immigration and drug trafficking.
On his return to office in 2025, he signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of America” and renewed criticism of Mexican authorities.
He recently claimed drugs were “pouring” into the US through Mexico and hinted that stronger action might be necessary. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected any suggestion of US military involvement on Mexican soil.
Cuba
Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida, has long been under US sanctions and maintained close ties with Venezuela.
Trump suggested that military intervention may be unnecessary, saying the Cuban government appeared close to collapse due to economic pressure and declining Venezuelan oil supplies.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose family fled Cuba, echoed the warning, saying Cuban leaders should take Trump’s words seriously.
