WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump escalated his stance on combating drug trafficking by hinting at potential military strikes targeting Venezuelan drug traffickers, while also leaving open the possibility of extending such anti-drug operations to Mexico and Colombia. His remarks came in a Dec. 9 interview with Politico, coinciding with preparations for top US lawmakers to receive classified briefings on the evolving situation.
In the wide-ranging interview conducted on Dec. 8, Trump reiterated his administration’s recently released National Security Strategy, which emphasizes a renewed US focus on the Western Hemisphere and issues a stark warning to Europe to change course or face “erasure.”“They’re weak,” Trump said of European political leaders, criticizing their political correctness and indecision amid geopolitical challenges. The president also repeated calls for Ukraine to hold elections amid the ongoing conflict nearing its fourth year, signaling US interest in pushing for resolution.
On the Americas, Trump declined to rule out deploying American troops to Venezuela to combat President Nicolas Maduro’s regime and disrupt drug operations, stating, “I don’t want to rule in or out.” When pressed about using force in other drug-trafficking hotspots, including Mexico and Colombia, he responded affirmatively, saying, “I would.”The remarks come as the US conducts an intensified military campaign against suspected drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, which has drawn scrutiny after a second strike was launched on Sept. 2. On Dec. 9, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to brief congressional leaders and intelligence heads on these efforts.
In a response to Trump’s Europe-related comments, European Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho defended the EU’s leadership amid ongoing crises, underscoring the bloc’s unity and resilience against challenges including Russia’s war in Ukraine and external trade pressures.Trump also addressed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s request for financial support, denying he promised aid despite their recent meeting at the White House.
The evolving geopolitical posture outlined in Trump’s statements highlights the administration’s aggressive approach to securing US interests both in the Western Hemisphere and on the global stage, underscoring tensions with Europe and renewed focus on Latin American security challenges.