Trump's Foreign Policy: What Lies Ahead After Venezuela?

Thu Jan 08 2026 03:07:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the US President targets Venezuela, speculation mounts about his foreign policy ambitions toward countries like Greenland, Colombia, Iran, Mexico, and Cuba.

Following his aggressive actions in Venezuela, President Trump is casting a wider net with threats and ambitions directed at Greenland, Colombia, Iran, Mexico, and Cuba. His revision of the Monroe Doctrine into the 'Donroe Doctrine' signals a vigorous approach to U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere, raising concerns and responses from international leaders.

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, a vast Arctic island, is rich in rare earth minerals and holds a strategic location in the North Atlantic.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen responded by describing the notion of US control over the island as a fantasy. He stated, No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation. We are open to dialogue... but this must happen through the proper channels and with respect for international law.

Colombia

Just hours after the operation in Venezuela, Trump warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro to watch his ass. Colombia is a principal supplier of oil and a hub for cocaine exportation.

Trump accused Colombia of being "run by a sick man who likes making cocaine" and suggested that U.S. military action against the country might be on the table.

Iran

As protests erupt in Iran, Trump warned that authorities would be hit very hard if more protesters died, demonstrating his willingness to intervene in the region despite Iran's exclusion from the 'Donroe Doctrine'.

Mexico

Trump's administration has long been critical of Mexico's immigration policies. He has suggested sending U.S. troops to combat drug cartels, an idea met with resistance from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Cuba

With Maduro's fall impacting Cuba significantly, Trump indicated that military intervention might not be necessary as Cuba is expected to face severe challenges.

These developments paint a picture of an assertive U.S. foreign policy under Trump, raising international alarms as countries brace for potential fallout.