Category: Foreign Policy

‘Gunboat diplomacy on steroids’: US signs security deals across Latin America | US military

The Trump administration is rapidly expanding US military presence across Latin America and the Caribbean through security agreements signed with Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and Panama over recent weeks. These deals authorize US troop deployments, airport access, radar installations, and armed operations under the stated pretext of a “war on drugs,” while simultaneously conducting a four-month military campaign against Venezuela that includes oil tanker blockades, vessel seizures, and airstrikes that have killed over 100 people across the Caribbean and Pacific.

Analysts characterize the strategy as establishing operational infrastructure for a potential larger offensive against Venezuela and potentially other nations including Colombia and Cuba. Jennifer Kavanagh, director of military analysis at Defense Priorities, stated that constructing a network of locations across the region would be necessary for sustaining any expanded military operation, and Jorge Heine, former Chilean ambassador and Boston University researcher, directly contradicted the drug-war rationale by noting that Paraguay and Venezuela are not major drug production or distribution centers, indicating the actions align with Trump’s recently released national security strategy document calling for expanded US military presence in the region.

The Trump administration has reframed the Monroe Doctrine as a “Trump Corollary” explicitly calling for military expansion in Latin America, reversing historical patterns of US restraint. Ecuador rejected foreign military bases in a referendum, yet the US secured temporary air force troop deployment anyway; Peru’s congress authorized armed US military and intelligence operations following White House pressure; and Trinidad and Tobago’s installation of US radar prompted Venezuela’s interior minister to threaten retaliation and the regime to terminate fossil gas supply agreements with the Caribbean nation.

John Walsh, director for drug policy at the Washington Office on Latin America, described the strategy as “gunboat diplomacy on steroids,” designed to reward compliant allies while threatening nations that resist Trump administration objectives. Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro issued an urgent letter to regional leaders warning that US escalation “threatens to destabilise the entire region,” yet his diplomatic isolation—having had almost no contact with other presidents following his disputed 2024 reelection—limits his ability to mobilize regional opposition, while Trump has explicitly threatened Colombia’s leftwing president Gustavo Petro as a potential next target.

The military buildup leverages existing US infrastructure including bases in Puerto Rico, Honduras, and Cuba, alongside surveillance hubs at airports in El Salvador, Aruba, and Curaçao. For nations refusing to align with the Trump administration, Walsh explained that the visible US military presence nearby functions as an implicit threat designed to ensure compliance with American interests.

(Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/23/us-trump-administration-signs-security-deals-across-latin-america)

Pentagon plan calls for major power shifts within U.S. military – The Washington Post

Senior Pentagon officials are preparing a reorganization plan that would downgrade multiple major military headquarters and redistribute authority among the U.S. armed forces’ top generals, according to sources familiar with the initiative. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is driving the consolidation effort, which marks a significant restructuring of military command hierarchy.

The plan involves substantial shifts in power dynamics within the Department of Defense, fundamentally altering how the military branches coordinate and operate under unified command structures. The specific details of which headquarters would be downgraded and how authority would be redistributed remain under development by Pentagon leadership.

This reorganization reflects Hegseth’s broader agenda to reshape institutional military structures since his appointment as Defense Secretary. The consolidation strategy signals an effort to centralize control and streamline decision-making processes within the military establishment.

The timing and scope of these changes underscore the administration’s intent to remake federal institutions according to its preferences, consistent with earlier purges of independent oversight mechanisms across agencies. Such institutional overhauls typically encounter resistance from career military officers and existing power structures invested in current arrangements.

(Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/12/15/military-command-plan-caine-hegseth/?utm_campaign=wp_main&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwdGRleAOtqdBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeb0mL3h6sJ1c_rBbLs0pcvApkKc8QD239S1X4dkYO2-ExKYQR2RscmrNIDOA_aem_QgyNhVpMmirOwJFbOUMA9w)

US seizes second vessel off Venezuelan after Trump’s blockade threat, reports say | The Independent

The United States Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged tanker Centuries off the coast of Barbados in the Caribbean Sea, marking the second vessel confiscated in recent weeks as part of Trump’s blockade of Venezuelan oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the Coast Guard would “continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,” though legal experts dispute the justification for seizing unsanctioned vessels.

Jeremy Paner, a former U.S. Treasury Department sanctions investigator, directly contradicted Trump’s stated policy by confirming the Centuries had not been sanctioned by the United States. Paner stated the seizure of an unsanctioned vessel “marks a further increase in Trump’s pressure on Venezuela” and “runs counter to Trump’s statement that the U.S. would impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers,” exposing the operation’s scope beyond its stated legal framework.

The Centuries carried 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude bound for China under a false vessel name and was part of a shadow fleet designed to evade sanctions. Since Trump’s first tanker seizure last week, Venezuelan crude exports have collapsed sharply, with an effective embargo forcing loaded vessels to remain in Venezuelan waters rather than risk confiscation, despite many not being under U.S. sanctions.

Trump’s military campaign against Venezuela has killed at least 100 people through more than two dozen strikes on vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, with announced plans for imminent land operations. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro contends the military buildup aims to overthrow his government and seize the nation’s vast oil reserves, the world’s largest crude deposits.

The seizure strategy contradicts international law governing unsanctioned vessels and exposes economic objectives beyond counter-narcotics claims. If the blockade persists, the loss of nearly one million barrels daily will drive global oil prices higher, shifting market leverage and destabilizing energy markets while demonstrating Trump’s use of military and economic coercion to control foreign governments and resources.

(Source: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/us-seizing-vessel-venezuela-trump-blockade-oil-tanker-b2888347.html)

Trump orders ‘total and complete blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers coming to and leaving Venezuela | CNN Politics

President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” of oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela on Tuesday via Truth Social, escalating military and economic pressure against Nicolás Maduro’s government. Trump stated that U.S. military assets surround Venezuela and demanded the country return oil, land, and assets to the United States, exposing the operation’s economic objectives beyond stated anti-drug efforts.

The blockade targets Venezuela’s primary economic lifeline amid existing international sanctions on its oil sector. Trump has repeatedly indicated that U.S. companies should regain access to Venezuela’s oil reserves—the world’s largest—if Maduro is removed from power. State-owned Petroleos de Venezuela controls the petroleum industry, though Houston-based Chevron operates under a sanctions carve-out that Trump revoked in March before conditionally reissuing it.

Trump accused Maduro of using “stolen oil” to finance terrorism, human trafficking, and criminal activity. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles told Vanity Fair that the administration’s military campaign aims to pressure Maduro to step down, contradicting earlier framing focused solely on narcotics interdiction. Venezuela’s government condemned the announcement as “a reckless and serious threat” and “a grave violation of International Law,” noting that blockades constitute acts of war under international treaties.

A 1961 Justice Department memo regarding Cuban tensions established that blockades are justified only when a state of war exists. Trump’s military operations in the region, including threatened ground invasions, follow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s announcement of “Southern Spear,” a hemisphere-wide military operation targeting suspected drug operations.

The blockade represents an explicit shift from counternarcotics justification to resource seizure, with Trump signaling intent to restore American corporate control over Venezuelan petroleum assets previously nationalized in the 1970s. Venezuela’s oil is sold primarily to China due to existing U.S. sanctions imposed since 2005.

(Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/16/politics/blockade-venezuela-sanctioned-oil-tankers)

Trump Does Putin’s Bidding and pulls out NATO funding

Senior U.S. defense officials have informed European allies that the United States will stop being NATO’s primary conventional defense provider beyond 2027. This shift comes amid ongoing support for Ukraine, although European countries will need to lead NATO’s defense efforts moving forward. The Pentagon emphasized that its focus has shifted to the Indo-Pacific region, necessitating this structural change.

U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine are expected to increase ahead of Christmas, despite this strategic pivot. Washington’s message is clear: while support for Ukraine remains, European nations must prepare for a NATO where the U.S. is not the automatic first responder. A senior Western official described the mood as Europe being placed on a strict timeline to adapt.

Moreover, the Pentagon has warned European capitals to expect no surprises; it intends to reduce its contributions to NATO significantly. If a Europe-led NATO structure isn’t established by 2027, the U.S. is prepared to withdraw from key planning processes, including the NATO Defense Planning Process (NDPP).

While the Trump administration is not currently planning major troop reductions in Europe, it will cut the number of senior U.S. officers within NATO command. These steps have been characterized as a transition towards European leadership in collective defense, with NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander remaining American for now.

Overall, the shift marks the end of U.S. dominance in NATO and raises concerns about the transatlantic security landscape. The Pentagon’s drive for Europe to demonstrate military capability reflects its demand for verifiable evidence of European seriousness in regional defense.

(Source: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/65690)

Matt Gaetz Attends Pentagon Briefing

Former Congressman Matt Gaetz participated in a Pentagon press briefing, joining various far-right MAGA influencers including Laura Loomer and Jack Posobiec. Credentials for regular reporters were revoked when they refused to sign a pledge to report only on pre-approved materials from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

During the briefing, Gaetz directed questions to Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson, inquiring about the Department of Defense’s role in a post-Maduro Venezuela. Wilson responded that the department has contingency plans and emphasized the importance of their ongoing operations against narco-terrorists, stating each operation saves American lives.

Gaetz pressed further, asking whether the administration views anyone associated with the Venezuelan military or government as automatically a narco-terrorist. Wilson indicated that this determination lies with the President but clarified that targets confirmed as drug traffickers are considered narco-terrorists.

Gaetz, who currently hosts a show on One America News Network, has faced scrutiny for his extreme statements, including anti-Israel rhetoric. His show recently fired a staff member over an anti-Semitic video posted online.

Trump Closes Venezuelan Airspace Amid Maduro Tensions

President Donald Trump announced the complete closure of Venezuelan airspace, warning all parties—including airlines and drug traffickers—via a post on Truth Social. This declaration comes amid escalating threats of military action against the country and its leader, Nicolás Maduro, whom Trump accuses of orchestrating drug smuggling operations. The closure is part of a series of over 20 military operations targeting suspected drug-running vessels linked to Venezuela.

Despite ongoing tensions, Trump’s recent engagement with Maduro included discussions of a potential meeting, although none was scheduled. The strained relations follow the U.S. rejecting Maduro’s offer of a significant stake in Venezuelan oil fields to improve ties. In light of these developments, Trump’s administration has publicly acknowledged plans to strike Venezuelan military sites as soon as deemed necessary.

In alignment with his aggressive approach, Trump has also authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela and the Department of Justice is offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. While Trump previously underestimated the likelihood of war in Venezuela, discussions among his advisors suggest a land invasion is a possible option.

Fox News contributor Dan Hoffman hinted that Trump shutting down the airspace indicates multiple strategies are being considered for handling Maduro. The overall tone from Trump suggests an escalating rivalry, likely complicating prospects for a peaceful resolution in the region.

Trump’s Panic as Supreme Court Reviews His Tariffs

President Donald Trump launched into a frantic tirade on social media, calling on his supporters to pray for the Supreme Court’s favorable ruling on his tariff policies. During this rant, he labeled critics of his trade approach as “evil, American hating forces,” demonstrating his growing desperation as legal challenges threaten his presidency.

Trump claimed that his implementation of tariffs has restored America’s international respect, saying, “Without which we would be a poor and pathetic laughingstock again.” Experts, however, predict that the Supreme Court may find his tariffs illegal, which could lead to significant financial repercussions and calls for the U.S. to return collected revenues.

The president’s assertions hinge on the argument that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act provides him with expansive authority to impose tariffs during perceived emergencies. Trump’s rhetoric indicates a fear that losing these tariffs could lead to a weakening of the U.S. economy, with warnings that it could fall to “almost Third World status.”

His social media posts touted claims of economic strength, boasting about low inflation and high stock market performance, while framing the tariffs as critical to national security and economic prosperity. The contradictory stance shows Trump’s attempt to divert attention from the real threats posed by his policies.

This alarming display reveals a president unwilling to confront the legal ramifications tied to his trade decisions, instead resorting to emotional pleas and inflammatory language. As his reliance on tariffs faces scrutiny, Trump’s narrative becomes increasingly detached from economic realities and grounded in fearmongering.

Trump’s Ukraine Plan is Admittedly a Russian Wish List

U.S. senators, including Mike Rounds and Angus King, disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed them that the recent peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump for Ukraine is nothing more than a “wish list” from Russia, rather than a legitimate framework for negotiations. Rounds emphasized that this assessment pointed to the plan’s significant concessions to Moscow, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected.

Despite Rubio’s assertions contradicting the senators’ claims and alleging their misinterpretation of his statements, the confusion surrounding the Trump administration’s approach to the peace plan has deepened. The leaked 28-point plan elicited concerns that it merely rewarded Russian aggression while undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Senators voiced that rather than advocating for legitimate peace negotiations, the plan might send a troubling message to other aggressors, essentially granting validation to their territorial ambitions. Rubio, under pressure, tried to clarify that the plan sought to be a productive starting point, yet many senators remained skeptical about its ethical grounding.

The unfolding situation highlights the increasing rift between Washington’s stance and the expectations of Ukrainian leadership. The implications of such a proposal raise serious questions regarding U.S. foreign policy and President Trump’s credibility on the international stage, particularly as nations observe the handling of this crisis.

As this scenario plays out, observers anticipate how both Ukraine and Russia will respond, while the Trump administration continues to navigate the backlash from U.S. lawmakers who view the peace plan as detrimental to international law and the sovereignty of nations.

Trump Pressures Japan’s Takaichi to Suppress Taiwan Support

Donald Trump reportedly contacted Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after an “angry” call with China’s President Xi Jinping. During this call, Trump allegedly advised Takaichi to avoid public expressions of support for Taiwan, which could provoke Beijing, according to the Wall Street Journal.

This guidance comes amid increasing tensions over Taiwan’s sovereignty, a key focus for China. Observers warn that any military action from Beijing to reclaim Taiwan could lead to severe consequences for both nations and potentially escalate into broader conflict.

Despite Trump’s comments, Japan later denied that such advice was given. A spokesperson for Takaichi claimed that the report from the Wall Street Journal was inaccurate, emphasizing that Trump’s suggestion to temper Taiwan-related rhetoric had not occurred.

In a statement to the Wall Street Journal, Trump highlighted the importance of a positive U.S.-China relationship, suggesting this benefits both China and Japan while mentioning potential agricultural trade benefits.

The dynamics of the situation raise critical questions about U.S. foreign policy and its implications for allies within the Asia-Pacific region, especially as Trump’s administration seeks to balance trade relations following the fallout of his tariff policies.

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