Asked how taking control of a South American country was “America First”, Trump told reporters it is because he wanted to “surround” America with “good neighbours” and “stability”. “We have tremendous energy in that country,” Trump said. Maga-aligned pollster Rich Baris warned that any brief “rally around the flag” effect from Trump’s announcement would fade if the Venezuela mission expanded. He has tied military action in Latin America to his top domestic priorities of reducing immigration and stopping the flow of drugs into the US. Today, he left the door open to further military action against the leaders of Cuba and Colombia, who have also opposed Trump and his policies.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 04, 2026 05:56 UTC