During a half-hour press exchange on Air Force One, Trump mentioned Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Mexico, and Iran as potential areas of US action. He framed these moves as enforcing Washington’s right to act in its own interests.
Greenland
Trump has expressed interest in Greenland, a mineral-rich semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. He argued the US needs it for national security, claiming ‘Denmark cannot defend it from Russia or China’. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any forceful attempt could threaten NATO itself. Analysts suggest Washington might push for a referendum instead of military action.
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Colombia
Trump issued the harshest warning to Colombian President Gustavo Petro, saying he should “watch his ass” and that military action “sounds good.” He accused Petro of ties with drug traffickers, echoing accusations he made against Maduro. Petro responded by saying he was ready to “take up arms.” Colombia’s remaining armed groups could complicate any US intervention, though Trump may be relying on Venezuela as a warning to other Latin American countries.
Cuba
Trump suggested that Cuba could “fall” without military action, noting the island relies heavily on Venezuelan oil. The operation against Maduro reportedly killed 32 Cuban bodyguards, heightening tensions between Havana and Washington.
Mexico
Trump said Mexico must “get their act together” over drugs and trade. He pushed President Claudia Sheinbaum to allow US troops to help fight drug cartels, which she refused. Sheinbaum responded by rejecting claims of US dominance, saying the Americas “do not belong” to any single power.
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Iran
Iran faces renewed US pressure after Trump’s Venezuela success. He warned Tehran it would “get hit very hard” if more protests are violently suppressed. US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham even posted a photo of Trump with a “Make Iran Great Again” hat. Analysts caution that overreach could backfire if situations worsen in Venezuela or the Middle East.
Trump’s statements highlight his bold, confrontational approach and the unpredictable nature of US foreign policy under his leadership.
