President Trump has expressed intentions to seize control of Venezuela's oil and annex Greenland, framing these moves as essential for U.S. success. These actions, part of a broader 'Donroe Doctrine,' signal a shift toward resource-driven imperialism in the Western Hemisphere. Critics warn of a regression to colonial-era policies amid rising authoritarian tendencies.
In recent statements, President Trump outlined aggressive foreign policy goals targeting Venezuela and Greenland. He proposed detaining Venezuela's leader in a Brooklyn jail and selling the country's oil on the open market, with profits directed to the U.S. "Me," Trump reportedly said when asked about profit distribution. For Greenland, Trump emphasized acquisition, stating to New York Times interviewers, "Ownership is very important" and "that's what I feel is psychologically needed for success."
These ambitions align with what Trump calls the "Donroe Doctrine," aiming to secure resources like Venezuelan oil, Greenland's rare earth minerals, and markets in Latin America and the Caribbean for U.S. benefit. Backing this is a proposed 50 percent increase in military spending over the next year, placing the economy on a war footing. Harvard professor Steven Levitsky described the approach: "In foreign policy, he has discovered he can do whatever the hell he wants. There are no constraints. This should be terrifying for anyone who believes in the international order."
The policy echoes historical imperialism, drawing comparisons to Cecil Rhodes's desire to "annex the planets if I could." Stephen Miller, a key advisor, has criticized Europe's abandonment of empires and subsequent migration as "reverse colonize." Domestically, these views influence immigration enforcement, including a recent ban on visas from 75 countries, mostly non-white and non-Christian nations.
Outgoing New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin highlighted the broader crisis: "I said in February I thought we were in a constitutional crisis." He urged public action, stating, "This is not who we are as a nation." Such developments raise concerns about unchecked executive power and international norms.
