Washington Post Briefing: A Nation at a Crossroads – Venezuela, Expansionism, and Domestic Policy
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| Venezuela, Greenland & The 'Donroe Doctrine': A Week of Unprecedented U.S. Foreign Policy |
A bold and controversial new chapter in U.S. foreign policy is being written in real-time. In a single week, the Trump administration has executed a high-stakes military operation to depose Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, seized international oil shipments, and floated the unprecedented idea of using military force to acquire Greenland from NATO ally Denmark. These actions have sent shockwaves through global capitals and triggered urgent debates in Congress about the nation's direction.
This blog post breaks down the key issues defining this moment, from the streets of Caracas to the halls of Washington.
The Venezuela Operation: Capture, Oil, and an Uncertain Future
On January 3, 2026, U.S. forces launched a "spectacular" special operation, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas and extraditing them to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The administration's stated goal was to counter narcotics trafficking, but the mission's scope rapidly expanded.
A Primary Focus on Oil
President Trump quickly framed the operation around Venezuela's vast oil reserves, stating the U.S. would "run" the country to rebuild its energy infrastructure and control its oil sales. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the U.S. intends to oversee Venezuela's oil sales "indefinitely," with profits controlled by the U.S. government. This plan involves seizing tankers in a "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions.
However, experts are deeply skeptical that oil can quickly fund Venezuela's reconstruction. The country's oil industry has collapsed after years of mismanagement, corruption, and sanctions.
Political Chaos and Conflicting Visions
The political aftermath is volatile. While the U.S. recognized Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as the interim leader, she has publicly condemned the U.S. operation. Meanwhile, the administration has sidelined the country's democratic opposition, creating confusion about the end goal.
The administration itself has offered contradictory visions: one of a U.S.-run protectorate rebuilding oil infrastructure, and another of indirect control through sanctions and blockades. Brookings experts note this leaves most of Maduro's regime in place, crushing the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people.
The "Donroe Doctrine": A New Era of Hemispheric Assertion?
The Venezuela operation appears part of a broader, more assertive foreign policy. Administration officials have referenced a new "Donroe Doctrine," suggesting a belief in unilateral U.S. authority within the Western Hemisphere.
This is most strikingly illustrated by the sudden focus on Greenland. The White House has openly discussed "a range of options" to acquire the autonomous Danish territory, explicitly refusing to rule out military force. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly told lawmakers the rhetoric aimed to pressure Denmark into selling. The move has alarmed European allies, who issued a joint statement reaffirming that Arctic security "must be achieved collectively" through NATO and respect for sovereignty.
Domestic Repercussions: Immigration and Congressional Alarm
These foreign actions have direct consequences at home, particularly for immigration.
The TPS Dilemma
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is urging hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to return home, arguing the country is now "more free". However, this conflicts with the State Department's "do not travel" advisory and the lived fears of Venezuelan migrants.
Many, like Sebastian, an architect in Miami, see a contradiction: "If the U.S. has to extract a man who took over the government, how am I supposed to believe that the situation in Venezuela is good?". Legal experts also argue DHS is misleading migrants about applying for refugee status from within the U.S..
Congress Seeks Answers
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers from both parties are expressing deep concern. Secretary Rubio has briefed congressional leaders, who worry the administration is embarking on "a new era of U.S. expansionism without consultation... or a clear vision". Experts like Michael O'Hanlon at Brookings argue that such a significant act of "regime change" required Congressional authorization, which was not sought.
The Domestic Policy Backdrop: "America First" in Action
These foreign policy moves occur alongside a focused domestic agenda. The White House's stated priorities for 2026 provide context:
Immigration: A pledge for "bold action" to secure the border, including reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy, expanding deportations, and designating cartels as terrorist organizations.
Energy & Economy: An "America First" energy policy focused on dominance, deregulation, and withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord to "Make America Affordable Again".
Governance: A "Drain the Swamp" initiative targeting federal bureaucracy and regulations.
This agenda reflects a continuation of themes from President Trump's first term, which centered on immigration restriction, tax cuts, deregulation, and an "America First" foreign policy.
What to Watch Next
The coming days and weeks will be critical. Key developments to monitor include:
The White House Oil Meeting: Executives from Chevron, Exxon, and other majors are scheduled to meet with President Trump to discuss Venezuela's future.
Stability in Caracas: Will the Rodríguez government maintain control, or will political fractures lead to wider chaos and a further drop in oil output?
The Greenland Gambit: Will this remain rhetorical pressure, or develop into a genuine diplomatic—or military—crisis with NATO allies?
Legal Challenges: How will U.S. courts handle the extraordinary case of a deposed head of state prosecuted under U.S. law?
The United States is pursuing a path of unparalleled unilateral action. The world—and a divided nation—are watching to see the consequences.
Venezuela crisis, Nicolás Maduro, Greenland, Donroe Doctrine, U.S. foreign policy, U.S. expansionism, oil geopolitics, Temporary Protected Status, NATO, regime change, U.S. domestic policy, Trump administration,