The capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro marks the opening move in an expansive foreign policy initiative outlined in the Trump administration’s recently published National Security Strategy, which details plans to reshape global power dynamics through American military and economic dominance.
The policy document, released last month, introduces what officials are calling a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine, signaling Washington’s intent to assert unprecedented control over the Western Hemisphere and establish favorable conditions for American interests in the region.
According to the strategy paper, the objective centers on leveraging America’s world-leading military and economic resources to enhance national power and preeminence.
The approach mirrors the original Monroe Doctrine from 1823, when President James Monroe declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonial powers.
The situation in Venezuela remained volatile Monday as the transition of power created uncertainty on the ground.
While Maduro appeared in a Manhattan federal courthouse facing drug trafficking charges, reports emerged of violence erupting in the streets of Caracas as the Venezuelan government structure collapsed.
President Trump asserted direct authority over the South American nation and announced that American oil companies would take charge of reconstructing Venezuela’s energy sector.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had instructed oil executives to prepare for deployment one month prior to the operation that removed Maduro from power.
Speaking to NBC News on Monday, Trump explained the petroleum industry’s central role in the reconstruction effort.
“A tremendous amount of money will have to be spent and the oil companies will spend it, and then they’ll get reimbursed by us or through revenue,” Trump said.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado pledged cooperation with the Trump administration’s rebuilding plans.
“We will turn Venezuela into the energy powerhouse of the Americas, we will bring rule of law, open markets, open it for investment,” she told Fox News host Sean Hannity.
Machado further stated that “millions of Venezuelans that were forced to flee the country” will return to “build a stronger nation, prosperous nation, open society and we will leave behind the socialist regime that was brought to our people.”
The president acknowledged that American taxpayers may bear some financial burden for the reconstruction project.
Trump estimated the timeline at 18 months before Venezuelans could elect new leadership, though he suggested completion might occur sooner despite significant costs.
“I think we can do it in less time than that, but it’ll be a lot of money,” Trump told NBC News, indicating that oil companies might require government assistance to restore the energy infrastructure.
Trump justified delaying elections in Venezuela by citing the country’s current conditions.
“We have to fix the country first. You can’t have an election. There’s no way the people could even vote,” Trump said.
“No, it’s going to take a period of time. We have — we have to nurse the country back to health.”
The aggressive foreign policy extends beyond South America.
Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller declined to rule out military action to acquire Greenland during a contentious appearance on CNN Monday evening.
“Nobody’s gonna fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland,” Miller stated.
Miller challenged Denmark’s claim to the territory, questioning the basis of their sovereignty. “What is the basis of their territorial claim? What is their basis of having Greenland as a colony of Denmark?” Miller asked.
He argued that American control of Greenland serves NATO interests.
“The United States is the power of NATO. For the United States to secure the Arctic region, to protect and defend NATO and NATO interests, obviously, Greenland should be part of the United States, and so that’s a conversation that we’re going to have as a country,” Miller said.
Back in Venezuela, chaos intensified overnight as gunfire echoed near the presidential palace in Caracas.
Residents reported sounds resembling anti-aircraft weapons coming from the vicinity of the government headquarters following days of street unrest triggered by Maduro’s removal.
The Daily Mail outlined that a White House official informed CNN that the administration had knowledge of the gunfire reports but emphasized “the US is not involved.”
CNN sources indicated the shooting resulted from confusion among paramilitary groups operating near the palace.
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