An emboldened US President Donald Trump has strongly indicated that Venezuela may not be the last nation to face American power, hinting he has several countries “in sight” after the dramatic military operation that ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
During an intense half-hour interaction with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump openly targeted Colombia, Cuba, Greenland, Mexico, and Iran, signalling the possibility of heightened geopolitical tensions and renewed US assertiveness in global affairs. Trump, who once positioned himself as anti-interventionist, now argues Washington has the right to act decisively in its strategic backyard.
Greenland: Trump’s Most Likely Next Move?
In the wake of the Venezuela strike, Trump has intensified his interest in annexing Greenland, calling it a national security priority and questioning Denmark’s ability to shield the Arctic territory from Russia and China. Experts say Greenland may be the administration’s primary geopolitical ambition.
Brookings Institution fellow Asli Aydintasbas said,
“Trump has given a long list of potential future conquests — but Greenland appears the most likely target.”
Denmark has strongly pushed back. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that any forced takeover attempt could seriously jeopardise NATO and post-World War II security architecture. Analysts believe the US may seek diplomatic or political pressure instead, possibly pushing for a Greenland independence referendum.
Colombia: Trump’s Harshest Warning Yet
Trump’s fiercest rhetoric was reserved for Colombia, where he warned President Gustavo Petro to “watch his ass” and suggested that military action “sounds good”. The US President accuses Petro of ties to drug trafficking, echoing similar allegations made against Maduro before his capture.
Petro responded defiantly, declaring he would be ready to “take up arms” to defend Colombia if necessary. However, experts warn Colombia is a far more complex battleground due to its history of internal conflict and numerous armed factions. Analysts say Trump may instead be using Venezuela as a warning signal to other Latin American governments.
Cuba: “Ready To Fall,” Claims Trump
Trump also claimed that Cuba, a long-time US adversary and ally of Venezuela, is on the brink of collapse. Havana says 32 Cuban personnel were killed during the Maduro raid, underscoring Cuba’s vulnerability following the loss of subsidised Venezuelan oil. Trump suggested military force may not be needed, believing economic strain may destabilise the island.
Mexico: Pressure Over Drug Cartels
Turning to Mexico, Trump warned the nation to “get their act together,” citing drug trafficking concerns. While describing President Claudia Sheinbaum as “terrific,” he revealed he is urging her to allow US troops to fight cartels on Mexican soil — something she has repeatedly denied. Sheinbaum firmly responded that the Americas “do not belong” to any single power.
Iran: Renewed Threats Amid Tensions
Trump also issued strong warnings to Iran, saying Tehran would be “hit very hard” if protest crackdowns worsen. With previous US strikes already conducted against Iran’s nuclear assets, analysts fear rising instability.
Global Anxiety Over Trump’s Expanding Ambitions
Experts warn Trump is enjoying what many describe as an “imperial presidency moment,” but caution that any miscalculation could trigger major regional or global crises.
Aydintasbas said,
“If things go wrong in Venezuela or the Middle East, Trump could quickly lose interest in aggressive global dominance.”
As world leaders react cautiously, global attention remains fixed on Washington — and the unanswered question: who might be next?