Geopolitical Analysis: The Trump Corollary & Related Policies

Core Foreign Policy: The "Trump Corollary"

The administration's 2025 National Security Strategy formally revives the Monroe Doctrine and establishes a "Trump Corollary". This policy explicitly shifts U.S. focus toward unilateral preeminence in the Western Hemisphere, stating: "The United States must be preeminent in the Western Hemisphere as a condition of our security and prosperity."

Military Assertion

The document justifies military action against cartels anywhere in the hemisphere. The over 22 naval strikes in the Caribbean, including the controversial September 2nd strike, are a direct application. This action fuses the "war on drugs" with great-power competition, specifically targeting Chinese influence. Venezuela, with its oil reserves and foreign deals, becomes a primary target under this logic.

Economic Statecraft & Elite Alignment

The Corollary has a clear economic component, pledging to partner with the private sector for "strategic acquisition and investment." The seizure of the Venezuelan oil tanker fits this pattern. Furthermore, the doctrine demonstrates a transactional approach through actions like the controversial pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, which analysts see as rewarding a loyal right-wing client.

Key Event Timeline

The September 2nd Strike

September 2, 2025

U.S. forces conducted the first strike in the campaign, immediately killing nine people on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel. Two survivors, unarmed and shirtless, clung to the wreckage for approximately one hour before a second, follow-up "double tap" strike was ordered, killing them. Admiral Frank Bradley justified the second strike by stating the wreckage might have been kept afloat by cocaine and could be recovered.

Escalation to Asset Seizure

December 10, 2025

President Trump announced U.S. forces had seized a "very large" Venezuelan oil tanker en route to Cuba. When asked about the disposition of the oil, he stated, "We keep it, I guess." This marked a significant escalation from interdiction strikes to direct economic pressure on the Venezuelan state.

Launch of the "Trump Gold Card"

December 10, 2025

In the same news conference, President Trump launched a premium visa program. The "Trump Gold Card" offers expedited U.S. residency and a path to citizenship for $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporate sponsors. A "Trump Platinum Card" for $5 million was announced as "coming soon."

Contrasting Domestic Policy: The Farmer Bridge

This external projection of power is complemented by a protective domestic policy for key constituencies. On December 8, 2025, the administration announced $12 billion in "Farmer Bridge Payments" to compensate farmers for market losses attributed to "unfair trade practices" and disruptions from the previous administration. This program is part of over $30 billion in ad-hoc farm assistance delivered since January 2025, creating a political buffer against the disruptive effects of the administration's foreign policy.

Integrated Analysis: The "Trump Doctrine" in Practice

The events form a cohesive picture of a foreign policy doctrine defined by:

1. Military Unilateralism: Asserting the right to use force in the hemisphere under a revived Monroe Doctrine.

2. Economic Statecraft: Using state power to secure resources and advantage for American business, while rewarding aligned foreign elites.

3. Domestic Buffer: Employing substantial subsidies to protect important domestic constituencies from the fallout of a disruptive, transactional foreign policy.

This approach marks a significant departure from post-Cold War U.S. strategy, rejecting multilateralism in favor of a power-based, unilateral assertion of national interest.