Is Trump Restoring the Monroe Doctrine?

Commentary

Recently, President Donald Trump unveiled his National Security Strategy, marking a departure from the approaches of his predecessors. To varying degrees, aspects of the strategy resemble a modern iteration of the Monroe Doctrine, as outlined by America’s fifth president, James Monroe.

Of course, the new version goes far beyond what Monroe envisioned two centuries ago. In short, Monroe wanted America to avoid entanglements in European affairs. His goal was to protect the Americas and keep foreign nations from interfering in the Western Hemisphere—a vision known as Manifest Destiny. Trump has a similar objective, but his “America First” policy encompasses a broader scope.

Certainly, Trump is focused on preventing distant foreign adversaries from subverting democracy and national security in our hemisphere. But he is also intent on preventing neighboring nations in Central and South America from undermining stability in the United States. How is the Trump team managing all these priorities simultaneously?

Trump is utilizing diplomacy (business and peace deals), economic pressure (tariffs), and kinetic action (decisive rapid strikes) to keep threats at bay. First, he is securing the southern border and expediting the deportation process for a broad range of foreign nationals who disregard the rule of law.

Next, Trump is working with global partners to dismantle the arms, drug, and human trafficking cartels that wreak havoc in the region. Notably, China, Iran, and Russia are reportedly involved in these activities, as their influence extends into Latin America and into North America.

In a positive development, the Trump administration is receiving valuable cooperation from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and her top law enforcement official, Omar Garcia Harfuch, a courageous officer who survived an assassination attempt and continues to combat organized crime at all levels. He is also gaining the support of most of Mexico’s governors and legal institutions. Although dismantling the cartels will be a long-term endeavor, progress is being made through intelligence sharing, growing public opposition, and revulsion toward the cartels’ brutal tactics.

Third, in tandem with these efforts, the administration is leveraging trade policy to persuade China to halt its export of fentanyl precursors to Mexico. A “trust but verify” approach is being taken to ensure compliance. Meanwhile, dozens of drug boats carrying narcotics from Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela (prior to Maduro’s capture) are being intercepted at sea.

In very recent developments, a lightning-fast operation—planned over several months—resulted in the capture of Venezuelan socialist leader Nicolás Maduro by American law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and armed forces. Naval and Coast Guard pressure had been mounting on the Maduro regime, deterring his attempts to flee to an authoritarian ally. It’s possible that someone within Maduro’s inner circle provided critical intelligence that led to his capture. The seizure of drug vessels and crude oil tankers added further pressure. The fall of Maduro sends a clear message to other regional autocracies, as well as to China, Iran, and Russia.

Fourth, Trump is seeking to curtail the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) activities through its Belt and Road Initiative in Latin America, including in port and infrastructure development. He is also pursuing greater control over the Panama Canal and working to eliminate CCP-linked surveillance at transportation and communication hubs. Preventing the CCP from buying land near U.S. military bases and blocking propaganda efforts in American schools are also key objectives.

Fortunately, recent elections in several Latin American countries—including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Peru, and Paraguay—have ushered in more conservative-leaning leaders. These governments can play a role in reducing crime and supporting democratic values to counter the influence of socialist and communist regimes in the region.

Fifth, strengthening the U.S. armed forces—based on the “peace through strength” principle—is another pillar of the Trump Doctrine. Both defensive and offensive capabilities are being enhanced to project power and deter adversaries. Precision strikes in 2025 on targets in Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen, as well as Operation Midnight Hammer on Iran’s nuclear facilities, illustrate Trump’s willingness to act decisively against threats.

Sixth, the prudent use of both hard and soft power defines the modern Trump Doctrine, which expands upon the Monroe Doctrine in nuanced ways. Reaffirming traditional alliances and cultivating new partnerships in Africa, Asia, and Latin America supports the defense of free trade, liberty, and the rule of law in the Western Hemisphere.

The United States can assist developing nations without engaging in nation-building—provided those nations take responsibility for their own stability and avoid drawing the United States into conflicts that don’t serve its vital national interests. Ideally, this principle will guide post-Maduro efforts in Venezuela to prevent a power vacuum and help restore freedom and opportunity for the Venezuelan people. Still, the outcome remains uncertain.