Trump Signals Possible Action Against Additional Countries After Venezuela Operation

Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could take action against additional countries following a dramatic US operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of the country’s president, Nicolás Maduro.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president indicated that Colombia, Mexico, Iran and Cuba could all face pressure from Washington, while also reiterating his long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland for what he described as national security reasons.

Mr Trump has been under sustained questioning since a US raid in Caracas led to Mr Maduro being flown to New York City to face federal charges, including alleged drug trafficking and weapons offences. While addressing those questions aboard Air Force One, the president broadened his remarks to include other governments in Latin America and beyond, signalling a more expansive approach to US foreign policy enforcement.

He levelled sharp criticism at Colombia and its president, Gustavo Petro, describing the country as a central hub of cocaine production and trafficking. The comments come amid an escalating dispute between Washington and Bogotá over a series of US maritime strikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling routes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, actions that have increased pressure on Colombia, a key nexus in the regional drug trade.

When asked directly whether his administration would consider an operation targeting Colombia, Mr Trump responded favourably, suggesting such a move would be acceptable. Mr Petro, who has frequently criticised Mr Trump, has previously condemned US actions in the region as violations of sovereignty.

The president also turned his attention to Mexico, claiming that drugs were “pouring” across the US southern border. He warned that the strength of Mexican drug cartels could force the United States to take further action, though he did not specify what form such measures might take.

Addressing Iran, where the government has been rocked by ongoing protests, Mr Trump warned that the US would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities used lethal violence against demonstrators. His comments echoed earlier statements in which he has portrayed Washington as prepared to intervene in response to human rights abuses.

Mr Trump suggested that military intervention would not be necessary in Cuba, a long-time ally of Venezuela, arguing that the country was already facing economic collapse. He pointed to Cuba’s dependence on subsidised Venezuelan oil, saying the loss of that support had left Havana with little income.

“I don’t think we need any action,” Mr Trump said, adding that Cuba appeared to be “going down” economically.

However, earlier on Sunday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more confrontational tone. Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Mr Rubio described the Cuban government as a “huge problem” and said it was “in a lot of trouble” when asked whether Cuba could be the administration’s next target. Mr Rubio has long accused Cuban leaders of propping up the Maduro government and providing support to its internal security apparatus.

Mr Trump also reiterated his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland, the semiautonomous Danish territory. He argued that increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic made the region strategically vital to US security interests.

“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” he said, claiming the area was increasingly surrounded by foreign military and commercial vessels.