The Trump Doctrine: Potential Targets after Venezuela

Thu Jan 08 2026 15:47:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As President Trump's second term unfolds, his aggressive foreign policy raises concerns about the U.S.'s strategic interests in South America and beyond. From Greenland to Iran, explore Trump's threats and ambitions.

In his second term, President Trump has escalated military and diplomatic rhetoric towards several nations following actions in Venezuela. His ambitions stretch from territorial claims on Greenland to dire warnings for Colombia and Iran, raising questions about U.S. international relations and the significance of the 'Donroe Doctrine.'

US President Donald Trump's second term is being shaped by his foreign policy ambitions. He's followed through on threats against Venezuela by capturing its president and his wife from their heavily fortified Caracas compound in a dramatic overnight raid.

When describing the operation, Trump dusted off the 1823 Monroe Doctrine and its promise of US supremacy in the western hemisphere - re-branding it the Donroe Doctrine.

Here are some of the warnings he's made against other nations in Washington's orbit in recent days.

Greenland

The US already has a military base on Greenland - Pituffik Space Base - but Trump wants the whole island. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security, he told journalists, saying the region was covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. Greenland, part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is rich in rare earth minerals crucial for producing smartphones and military hardware.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen responded to Trump by describing the notion of US control over the island as a fantasy. Any US attempt to seize Greenland would bring it into conflict with another NATO member.

Colombia

Just hours after the operation in Venezuela, Trump warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro to watch his ass. Colombia is home to significant oil reserves and is a major hub for the region's drug trade. After imposing sanctions on Petro, Trump expressed his willingness to carry out operations in Colombia targeting drug cartels.

Iran

Trump warned Iran that if more protesters die amid ongoing unrest, the authorities would be hit very hard. Even though Iran theoretically falls outside the 'Donroe Doctrine', Trump's previous threats against the Iranian regime remain a significant concern, especially following military strikes last year.

Mexico

Trump's obsession with border security has persisted, and he has suggested sending troops to Mexico to combat drug cartels. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected any military actions on Mexican soil.

Cuba

Cuba, under US sanctions since the 1960s, may face additional pressures now that its ally Venezuela is in turmoil. Trump indicated that US military intervention may not be necessary, as Cuba appears to be ‘ready to fall’ amid economic distress.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's comments reflect a broader concern about Cuba's stability, suggesting significant implications for US-Cuban relations.