In the aftermath of the U.S. military operation that led to the removal of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, attention is rapidly shifting to what could come next as President Donald Trump and his administration signal a far more assertive posture across the Western Hemisphere and beyond.
In the days following the operation, Trump and senior officials pointed to several countries that could face increased U.S. pressure, including Greenland, Cuba and Colombia. The remarks have fueled global speculation about whether the intervention in Venezuela marks the beginning of a broader campaign to reassert American dominance in strategically important regions.
Greenland has emerged again as a focal point. Trump renewed his long-standing argument that the mineral-rich Arctic territory, which is governed by Denmark, is vital to U.S. national security. Administration officials have repeatedly raised concerns about Russian and Chinese activity in the region and questioned Denmark’s ability to secure the island. The issue resurfaced sharply after Trump revived the idea of bringing Greenland under U.S. control, an idea that has drawn strong objections from Danish leaders and raised unease among European allies.
Denmark, a NATO member, has emphasized existing security agreements that already grant the United States significant access to Greenland. Still, Trump’s rhetoric and recent personnel moves, including the appointment of a special envoy focused on the territory, have revived fears that Washington could escalate diplomatic or even military pressure.
Cuba is also facing renewed scrutiny. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has accused Havana of playing a central role in propping up Maduro’s government, including providing security and intelligence support. With Venezuela no longer supplying subsidized oil, Cuba’s already fragile economy could face deeper strain, increasing speculation that Washington may seek to isolate further or destabilize the communist government.
Colombia, a longtime U.S. partner, has likewise been thrust into the spotlight. Trump has intensified criticism of President Gustavo Petro and accused his government of failing to curb cocaine production and trafficking. The administration has already imposed sanctions on Petro and reduced U.S. assistance after designating Colombia as uncooperative in drug enforcement efforts for the first time in decades. Recent U.S. military actions against suspected drug-smuggling routes tied to both Venezuela and Colombia have heightened concerns about possible escalation.
Trump’s broader strategy is outlined in his administration’s National Security Strategy, which emphasizes restoring American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere. The approach draws on historical doctrines that justified U.S. intervention in the region, signaling a willingness to use force, sanctions and diplomatic pressure to reshape regional politics.
Source: NBC News