Trump and Rubio signal broader regional campaign after Venezuela assault

During a Saturday press conference, President Trump invoked the Monroe Doctrine to describe his administration's foreign policy, labeling his aggressive stance toward Caracas the “Donroe Doctrine.” The administration’s rhetoric quickly pivoted to other Latin American leaders who criticized the recent operation. Trump explicitly threatened Colombian President Gustavo Petro, baselessly accusing him of drug trafficking and warning that he “has to watch his ass.” Petro, in response, dismissed the intimidation, stating he is not worried by the threats.

Mexico also found itself in the administration’s crosshairs. Trump declared that “something’s going to have to be done with Mexico,” citing the country’s alleged vulnerability to cartels and its public condemnation of the Venezuelan operation. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed his focus toward Havana, suggesting that members of the Cuban government should be deeply concerned about their future. Progressive International condemned the developments, characterizing the assault on Venezuela as a calculated step in a wider effort to reassert U.S. dominance and seize natural resources, warning that such imperial logic threatens the sovereign equality of all nations in the Western Hemisphere.