The recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela has sparked wider speculations about potential future political moves. Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has hinted at further action potentially being directed at countries closer to the U.S.
Over the weekend, U.S. forces executed a surprise operation in Caracas, detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who were then transported to the United States. The expectation is that both will face legal proceedings there. Trump characterized this operation as a success, assuring that the U.S. would manage Venezuelan affairs until a new leadership is established.
Yet, it was Trump’s later comments that have stirred fresh concerns.
Colombia’s President Under Scrutiny
While speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump seemed to focus on Colombia as a point of interest. He reportedly criticized Colombian President Gustavo Petro, accusing him of being a “sick man” involved in illegal activities like “making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” and implied that Petro won’t continue these actions for long.
When pressed by a reporter about whether Colombia could be next in line for action, Trump quipped, “It sounds good to me.” His comments came on the heels of a previous warning to Petro, labeling him an “illegal drug leader.”
In response, Petro fired back following Maduro’s arrest, publicly challenging Trump to cease his accusations and encouraged Latin American unity to avoid being “treated as a servant and slave.”
Cuba and Mexico: Points of Focus
Colombia might not be the only nation Trump has in his sights. He insinuated that Cuba might soon face severe troubles as its economy heavily relied on Venezuelan oil, which is no longer flowing.
Trump stated, “Cuba now has no income. They got all of their income from Venezuela, from the Venezuelan oil. They’re not getting any of it. Cuba literally is ready to fall.” Although he played down any immediate need for military intervention in Cuba, he issued a strong message to Mexico. He insisted the country “must get their act together” due to ongoing drug trafficking issues at the border, hinting at potential U.S. action.
However, he also spoke warmly of Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, describing her as a “terrific person,” yet noted that “the cartels are very strong in Mexico.”
International Repercussions
Trump’s assertive stance has triggered widespread international critique. Countries including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Spain have collectively condemned the mission in Venezuela.
“We express our profound concern and firmly reject the military actions undertaken unilaterally in Venezuelan territory,” read an official statement from these nations. “These actions contravene fundamental principles of international law… and constitute an extremely dangerous precedent for peace and regional security.”
Nonetheless, Trump seemed unfazed. Speaking proudly from Mar-a-Lago, he described the operation as “brilliant,” applauding the efforts of “great, great troops and great people,” and accused Maduro of establishing a “terrorist organization” in Venezuela.
The Greenland Proposal Revisited
Riding on the momentum from the Venezuela operation, Trump has resurrected an earlier proposition from his presidency: acquiring Greenland.
The White House has pointed out that Trump regards Greenland as crucial for U.S. national security due to its strategic position in the Arctic. Discussions are underway about potential methods of acquisition, such as purchasing the island or forming an association.
“The president and his team are exploring various options to achieve this important foreign policy objective, including the U.S. military, as always, being an option at the commander-in-chief’s discretion,” according to a statement by the White House.
Greenland and Denmark have repeatedly turned down this proposal, and lawmakers across the aisle have cautioned against possibly threatening a NATO ally.
Yet, insiders say Trump is determined to pursue Greenland.
“It’s not going away,” one senior official relayed regarding Trump’s interest in Greenland.
In reaction, Denmark’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee held an emergency meeting on January 6 to address the looming threat. Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, stated that they have sought discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with the plan reportedly involving an acquisition offer for Greenland as per the Wall Street Journal.
