President Donald Trump's recent foreign policy decisions regarding Venezuela and Greenland have drawn comparisons to the "big stick" diplomacy of President Theodore Roosevelt, raising questions about the historical precedents guiding current U.S. actions. Trump, at a news conference earlier this month, stated that U.S. troops captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro 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, warned European powers against further colonization or intervention in the Americas. Roosevelt, decades later, expanded on this concept with his "speak softly and carry a big stick" approach, emphasizing diplomacy backed by the potential use of military force. This philosophy, often referred to as "Big Stick" diplomacy, prioritized negotiation while maintaining a credible threat of intervention to protect U.S. interests.

Trump's pronouncements suggest a belief that his administration is operating within a similar framework, albeit one he claims has "superseded" the original Monroe Doctrine. "They now call it the 'Donroe Doctrine,'" he stated, without elaborating on the specific differences.

Critics argue that Trump's actions, particularly the reported interest in acquiring Greenland and the intervention in Venezuela, represent a more aggressive and unilateral approach than Roosevelt's. They contend that while Roosevelt emphasized diplomacy as the primary tool, Trump appears more willing to resort to threats and displays of power.

The situation in Venezuela remains tense following Maduro's capture, with uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of the country. The U.S. government has not released details regarding Maduro's location or any potential legal proceedings. The Danish government, which controls Greenland, has publicly rejected any suggestion of selling the island to the United States.