In a recent interview with The Center Square, President Trump indicated that the United States is “looking at doing a lot of things” in South America and left the door open to establishing a U.S. military base in Venezuela. He highlighted the growing partnership with Caracas, noting that the country is producing significant oil and that the United States plans to fill its strategic petroleum reserves with Venezuelan crude at a low cost.
Strategic Context
The president’s comments come as the U.S. finalizes an agreement to build two bases in Greenland and the Department of War, led by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, prepares to construct a new domestic installation – the first new base in the United States in four decades. These moves reflect a broader effort by the Trump administration to reinforce American strategic positioning around the globe.
Political Gains in the Region
Trump’s influence in Latin America has grown after a slate of Trump‑backed candidates won elections across the continent, strengthening the administration’s foothold. The president’s foreign‑policy approach has been dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine,” a modern echo of the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing U.S. leadership in the Western Hemisphere.
Venezuela’s Shift
Following the arrest of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife earlier this year, the United States seized an opportunity to deepen ties with the nation. Until that point, Venezuela had cultivated relationships with China, Russia, and Iran, hosting joint military drills with those powers in 2022. The shift away from those alliances opens space for U.S. engagement, including potential base construction.
Security Considerations
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned that Latin America remains vulnerable to adversarial influence. In its assessment, CSIS noted that Iran and Russia view the region as fertile ground for exploiting anti‑U.S. sentiment, making a proactive American presence essential to countering those efforts.
Counter‑Narco‑Terror Operations
Beyond geopolitical competition, the Trump administration has been targeting narco‑terrorist networks throughout the Caribbean and South America for more than a year, aiming to disrupt drug trafficking and related violent crime that threaten U.S. security.
Administration’s Rationale
President Trump framed the potential base as a win‑win for both nations: “We’re taking a lot of oil, and we have a great relationship. Venezuela’s making a lot of money, and so are we. We’re going to start filling up our national strategic reserves with the Venezuelan oil for very little money, and it’s going to be great.” The administration argues that a forward‑deployed base would enhance regional stability, protect American energy interests, and deter hostile powers from gaining a foothold.
What Comes Next?
While no formal request has been submitted to the Venezuelan government, the president’s remarks suggest that diplomatic channels will be opened to explore the feasibility of a base. Any agreement would likely require congressional approval and coordination with the Department of Defense, the State Department, and regional partners.
Local Impact
For Texas businesses and families, a stronger U.S. presence in South America could translate into lower oil prices and new trade opportunities, aligning with the administration’s goal of boosting American prosperity while safeguarding national security.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
