> At a Glance
> – President Trump says the U.S. may intervene in Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran and Greenland after capturing Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro
> – Maduro and his wife were flown to New York to face narco-terrorism charges
> – Trump warns of a “second strike” on Venezuela if “they don’t behave”
> – Why it matters: The statements signal potential U.S. military action across multiple regions in the coming months
President Trump has widened the scope of possible U.S. military action just days after American forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran and Greenland could be next.
The Venezuela Operation
U.S. forces launched large-scale strikes across Venezuela in the early hours of January 3, detaining Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. The couple was transported to New York on the USS Iwo Jima; Maduro is scheduled to appear in federal court on January 5 to face narco-terrorism charges.
Trump claims Maduro fueled drug trafficking and forced migration to the U.S., allegations Maduro denies. The president said a second wave of strikes was prepared but is now on hold:
> “We were ready for a second wave, we were all set to go, but we don’t think we’re gonna need it. If they don’t behave, we will do a second strike.”
Regional Neighbors in the Crosshairs
Trump singled out Colombia and Cuba as potential next targets:
- Colombia: President Gustavo Petro is described as “a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”
- Cuba: The island is “ready to fall” after losing Venezuelan oil income, Trump said, adding “it sounds good to me” when asked about possible U.S. intervention.
Mexico, Iran and Greenland
The president also threatened action over Mexican drug cartels, stating:
> “You have to do something with Mexico. Mexico has to get their act together because they’re pouring through Mexico and we’re going to have to do something.”
Beyond the Western Hemisphere, Trump vowed harsh action if Iran cracks down on protesters and reiterated his desire to annex Greenland, citing strategic concerns over Russian and Chinese vessels near its shores.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro on January 3; he faces federal charges in New York
- Trump lists Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran and Greenland as possible future intervention targets
- A second Venezuela strike remains an option, Trump warns
- The president cites drug trafficking, migration and national security as justifications for expanded action
The remarks underscore a far broader vision of U.S. military engagement than the Venezuela operation alone.
