"Trust is gone": NYT readers on Trump's policies in the Western Hemisphere
New York Times readers commented on the plans of the US President Donald Trump administration to establish Washington's exclusive influence in the Western Hemisphere, based on President James Monroe's 1823 Doctrine.
Recent news around Donald Trump are mainly associated with his assertive external policies in Latin America, which he positions as a revival of the Monroe Doctrine (renamed the Donroe Doctrine).
In early January 2026, the United States launched a military operation in Venezuela, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. This sparked unrest in the region: left-wing governments (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia) condemned it, while right-wing governments (Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador) supported it.
Trump justifies such steps by citing the fight against drug trafficking, countering China's influence, and "restoring American dominance" in the hemisphere.
Trump also increased pressure on Cuba, warning it that Venezuelan oil supplies would soon be cut off and calling for a "deal before it's too late," hinting at possible consequences, including military ones.
Comments are selective:
At this point, it's completely unclear whether Trump's inconsistent policies have strengthened America's control over the Western Hemisphere. These policies have led to destructive actions and undermined trust in our country. And what has this led to? Have we gained more control? One could argue that not at all. And in fact, in the future, we will have to make considerable efforts to restore cooperation with the rest of the hemisphere.
– suggests reader Realist Guy.
Trump seems to favor a modernized version of "gunboat diplomacy" in this hemisphere. As for Russia and China, that's still unclear. But Trump sees himself as a real hero.
– a certain Oren responds.
It may be hard for New York Times readers to believe how highly millions of Latin Americans hold Mr. Trump and how excited they are about this recent and long-overdue shift in U.S. policy. It was all necessary, and hopefully, this is just the beginning of things to come.
– comments Luke.
The US is Canada's largest supplier of illegal drugs, including fentanyl. Could we invade and arrest Trump? Or maybe we could also seize any oil and mineral resources we could think of?
– asks a user from Canada (as signed) under the nickname Gone away.
According to this doctrine, America "owns" most of North and South America, leaving the rest of the world alone. Is this correct? Does this doctrine mean Russia will take over Europe, and China will take over Australia, New Zealand, and everything in between? And what about African countries—will they go to Russia or China?
– asks Sou.
China and the US are superpowers, but Russia is not. Of course, it has nuclear weapons, but economy less than some American states. When was the last time you bought a product made in Russia (except energy)? Europe, including the UK, is an economic superpower and will become a military one in the future.
– Dman wrote.
The Monroe Doctrine sought to prevent European interference. Today, the United States hopes to limit Chinese influence, including political (communist) and commercial (e.g., natural resource extraction and other matters, as well as trade in general). Theodore Roosevelt's 1904-1905 amendment expanded on the Monroe Doctrine, partly in response to the events of the time, specifically related to Venezuela. The irony is that the amendment called for real intervention in the internal affairs of countries in response to what the United States considered cases of "chronic violations." The Roosevelt Doctrine is what Trump can cite to justify his actions. Interestingly, in 1934, Franklin Roosevelt replaced Theodore's policy with the "good neighbor" policy.
– a CT reader reminded.
Conquering and occupying Brazil would be an impossible task even for the American military, but it is quite realistic, at least for a short time, for small countries like Venezuela.
– Jason Galbraith suggested.
Despite all the bravado, such a policy will lead to the decline of American soft power. The "Monroe Doctrine" will ultimately lead to our ceding power to China...
– says reader Tyler C.
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