Now, in early 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump is celebrating his second term, having triggered a cascade of high-profile geopolitical actions. Both of these moves have amazed and inspired the international community. It was an ill conceived military op on Venezuelan soil. It resulted in the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. At the same time, Trump has escalated efforts to annex Greenland— a territory with some of the world’s richest deposits of rare earth elements. He has announced a new 25% tariff on countries conducting business with Iran, further escalating tensions in global trade relations.
These actions reflect a strategic approach by Trump to assert U.S. influence abroad while responding to perceived threats from foreign powers. Through military intervention and economic embargoes, the administration has sought to strengthen national security and economic interests.
Military Operation in Venezuela
On January 5, 2026, President Trump authorized an audacious military strike. The operation notably arrested Nicolás Maduro, the embattled despot of Venezuela, and his spouse. This operation represents a foundational shift in U.S. policy toward Venezuela. The country’s been in political crisis for nearly three years.
The U.S. administration justified the operation as a necessary step to restore democracy in Venezuela and protect American interests in the region. Some analysts have even argued that Maduro’s arrest would create a dangerous power vacuum and exacerbate instability inside Venezuela.
“This operation demonstrates our commitment to supporting democratic movements around the world,” – Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
This seemingly small action has outsized consequences. It would be a historic and overdue corrective. More importantly, it would fundamentally transform U.S.-Latin American relations and trigger defensive responses from countries supporting Maduro’s regime.
Escalation of Threats to Greenland
In addition to military actions, President Trump has escalated his rhetoric regarding Greenland, a Danish territory abundant in rare earth elements critical for modern technology. Trump has even threatened to annex Greenland, calling the island strategically important to U.S. economic interests and national security.
The Trump administration thinks that taking control of Greenland’s territories will ensure key resources to feed the U.S. Such a move would dramatically improve the country’s competitive position against rivals like China. This proposal has been roundly criticized by education advocates, from both the left and the right. Officials in Denmark and environmental advocates around the world are deeply concerned about the long-term effects of exploiting the region.
As conversations continue, it’s still uncertain what Denmark’s next move will be in the face of Trump’s intimidation tactics. The geopolitical ramifications of such an annexation would change the balance of power in the Arctic and beyond.
New Tariffs on Iran
Adding to the self-imposed tumult of the global economic landscape, Trump rolled out a new 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. This decision cements this administration’s long-term commitment to this goal. It increases pressure on Tehran amid the unprecedented crisis over its nuclear program.
The tariffs are designed to pressure other countries to stop doing business with Iran, thus further isolating the country and its economy. Critics have pointed out that these tariffs would be just as harmful and produce equally unintended consequences on U.S. allies, as well as global markets.
“Increases in consumer spending, exports, and government spending were partly offset by a decrease in investment,” – Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Countries have been forced to rethink their entire trade policy in light of these tariffs. Industry experts warn that this would have cascading impacts throughout the entire economy.