By Molly Schwartz, Cross-Asset Macro Strategist at Rabobank
The Monroe Doctrine, proclaimed by U.S. President James Monroe in 1823, asserted American influence in the Western Hemisphere at a time when newly independent South American nations were emerging from European colonial rule. While the Doctrine, as a tool of policy, warns Europe to keep its hands off, it stopped short of declaring that the United States would act as nanny for these fledgling states.
Don’s interpretation of the Doctrine, however, seems a bit different — though not entirely unique. Indeed, digging a massive trench to split a country in two is a rather explicit form of U.S. intervention, though the recent operation in Venezuela marks the first time we’ve seen something like this from Washington since the Bush Administration (‘H’, not ‘W’). and the current Administration’s rhetoric surrounding the operation certainly sets it apart.
Secretary of State not guilty of narco-terrorism charges,” proclaiming “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man.”
On Monday, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as acting president, following Trump’s weekend comments to tone has shifted dramatically since the weekend. Initially condemning Maduro’s arrest as “barbaric,” she now extends an olive branch to Washington, stating: “We invite the U.S. government to work together on a cooperative agenda focused on shared development, within the framework of international law, and to strengthen lasting community coexistence.”
But Venezuela’s future is still uncertain. There has been a whirlwind of headlines questioning how much control the U.S. will take over Venezuela’s energy infrastructure or if they will ultimately end up taking control at all. Trump has thus made his position clear that he wants to be “very strongly involved” in the Venezuelan oil industry.
As noted by Senior Energy Strategist, Mette Frederiksen has said that “if the U.S. chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops, including NATO and thus the security that has been established since the end of the Second World War.”
Greenland’s Prime Minister had some Tyler Durden Tue, 01/06/2026 - 11:05