WASHINGTON –
President Donald Trump’s expanding foreign policy actions in Venezuela and rhetoric involving Greenland are raising concerns among U.S. allies and prompting new questions from lawmakers about long-term strategy and global consequences, according to D.C. correspondent Alex Cameron.
During this week’s D.C. Debrief discussion this week, Cameron said the administration is framing its recent actions in Venezuela, along with comments about Greenland, Cuba, and Colombia, as a modern extension of the Monroe Doctrine aimed at keeping China and Russia out of the Western hemisphere.
What does the administration say about Venezuela?
The White House has defended U.S. involvement in Venezuela as limited, emphasizing that the United States is not governing the country day-to-day and is not pursuing traditional regime change.
Still, questions remain about how long U.S. involvement could last and when Venezuelans might see new elections following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Analysts also cited uncertainty surrounding the future of Venezuelan oil production and whether U.S. energy companies would consider returning after years of losses and infrastructure decline.
Even as oil shipments continue under embargo pressure, experts warned the country’s economy could face severe strain if restrictions remain in place.
Greenland comments draw NATO response
Trump’s renewed comments about Greenland have drawn sharp reactions from U.S. allies. Leaders within NATO emphasized that Greenland remains a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark, and is not subject to U.S. control.
Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Danish officials following concerns that U.S. rhetoric, including suggestions that military force could be considered, could undermine NATO unity.
What are Oklahoma lawmakers saying?
U.S. Sen. James Lankford acknowledged frustration with the administration’s messaging but said Greenland remains strategically important to U.S. and allied national security.
Lankford described the approach as consistent with Trump’s negotiating style, saying it is intended to force discussions rather than signal immediate action.
Focus on Congress
Domestically, attention is also returning to Capitol Hill as lawmakers work to avoid another government shutdown. House leaders are advancing a series of appropriations packages, with expectations that most federal agencies could be funded through the end of September while negotiations continue on remaining bills.