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Trump Advocates U.S. Control Over Venezuela and Greenland

1/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The interview with New York Times reporters in the Oval Office lasted nearly two hours.
It covered a Minneapolis immigration shooting and the U.S. military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro.
United States President Donald Trump said the United States must control Venezuela and pursue "ownership" of Greenland, asserting his moral judgment as the only limit and dismissing international law.

History

Historical Context

In 1902, the United States intervened in Venezuela amid a naval blockade by Britain, Germany, and Italy due to President Cipriano Castro's refusal to repay debts. This crisis led to the Roosevelt Corollary, asserting U.S. rights to intervene in Latin America. Recent comments by President Trump about Venezuela echo these historical interventionist policies, raising concerns about sovereignty and international law.

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Story summary

The interview with New York Times reporters in the Oval Office lasted nearly two hours.
It covered a Minneapolis immigration shooting and the U.S. military operation that captured Nicolás Maduro.
United States President Donald Trump said the United States must control Venezuela and pursue "ownership" of Greenland, asserting his moral judgment as the only limit and dismissing international law.

1 / 2