President Donald Trump has invoked historical foreign policy doctrines to justify recent actions, including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, attempts to acquire Greenland, and threats against Iran. Trump stated at a recent news conference that the capture of Maduro was justified because his actions constituted a "gross violation of the core principles of American foreign policy dating back more than two centuries to the Monroe Doctrine."

The Monroe Doctrine, articulated in 1823 by President James Monroe, cautioned European powers against further colonization or intervention in the Americas. Trump has asserted that the doctrine has been surpassed, stating, "And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've superseded it by a lot, by a real lot. They now call it the 'Donroe Doctrine.'"

These actions and statements have drawn parallels to President Theodore Roosevelt's "big stick" diplomacy, a policy that prioritized diplomacy but also emphasized the potential use of military force. Roosevelt's approach, often referred to as "speak softly and carry a big stick," aimed to project American power while maintaining a preference for peaceful resolutions.

Critics argue that Trump's interpretation and application of these historical doctrines represent an aggressive and interventionist foreign policy. Supporters, however, contend that these actions are necessary to protect American interests and maintain stability in the Western Hemisphere. The implications of Trump's approach and its impact on international relations remain a subject of ongoing debate.