Five More Countries on Trump’s Radar After Venezuela – Alfaaz – The Words

New Delhi: The second term of Donald Trump as the US President appears to be driven by ambitions larger than ever before. Within hours of the United States capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and flying him to New York City to face charges for narco-terrorism, the White House has begun issuing sharp warnings to nations across the Western Hemisphere. Trump has made pointed comments about at least five countries as tensions escalate.

While answering questions about Venezuela aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump broadened his comments to other Latin American nations and specifically targeted Colombia and its President Gustavo Petro. He accused Colombia of being “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.” Trump added that “he is not going to be doing it for very long,” referring to Petro. He also claimed that Petro has cocaine mills and cocaine factories.

These statements come at a time when Washington and Bogotá are already facing friction over US boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, which have increased pressure on Colombia, a major hub in the region’s drug trade. Asked whether the United States could conduct an operation targeting Colombia, Trump responded, “It sounds good to me.”

Trump also returned to his long-standing interest in Greenland, the semi-autonomous Danish territory, saying the island was essential for America’s security. “We need Greenland. It’s so strategic right now. Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place,” Trump said. He further argued that the United States needed Greenland from the standpoint of national security and claimed that Europe supported the idea.

Denmark rejected the remarks, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stating that it made no sense to talk about the United States taking over Greenland.

Trump also expressed concerns about Cuba, suggesting the island could face increased US pressure following the Venezuela operation, though he did not provide further details.

Trump cautions Mexico on drug flow
Trump shifted his attention to Mexico, warning that the country needs to get its act together as drugs are pouring through Mexico into the United States. He described Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as a “terrific person” and said he had offered to send US troops to Mexico. Trump said the Mexican government is capable of managing the situation but added that drug cartels remain very strong in the country.

Iran faces a strong message amid protests
Trump also issued a warning to Iran amid protests over its economic crisis. He cautioned authorities against using lethal force, saying that if people are killed, the United States would respond strongly. He said Washington was closely monitoring the situation but did not specify what action the US might take.

Trump pushes revived Monroe Doctrine
Trump has long spoken openly about expanding American influence across the Western Hemisphere and has consistently championed a revived version of the nineteenth-century Monroe Doctrine, which placed Latin America within Washington’s sphere of influence. His latest warnings come with renewed urgency following the events in Venezuela.