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 by President James Monroe in 1823, 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 Trump has asserted that the doctrine has been surpassed, stating, "And the Monroe Doctrine is a big deal, but we've superseded it by a lot, by a real lot.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 the foreign policy approach of President Theodore Roosevelt, particularly his "big stick" diplomacy. Roosevelt's philosophy, often summarized as "speak softly and carry a big stick," emphasized diplomacy as the primary tool of foreign policy but advocated for a strong military to back up those diplomatic efforts.

Some analysts suggest that Trump's approach, while invoking historical precedents, deviates from the nuanced application of power advocated by Roosevelt. Where Roosevelt prioritized diplomacy, critics argue that Trump favors a more unilateral and assertive approach, potentially undermining international cooperation. The implications of this approach for U.S. foreign relations remain a subject of ongoing debate.