American expansionism under Donald Trump
Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me. I don't need international law. I'm not looking to hurt people.
New York Times White House correspondents wrote that "Mr. Trump's assessment... was the most blunt acknowledgment yet of his worldview. At its core is the concept that national strength, rather than laws, treaties and conventions, should be the deciding factor as powers collide."
During both of his presidencies, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed a desire to expand the United States' territory through both land purchases and military means.
Trump first stated his desire to annex Greenland during his first presidency. In his second presidency, Trump has pursued a campaign to acquire Greenland. He has also suggested annexation or taking control of Canada, Mexico, the Panama Canal, and the Gaza Strip. After proposing invasion of Venezuela, Trump's second administration removed President Nicolás Maduro as part of Operation Absolute Resolve and claimed the U.S. would "run" Venezuela, although the Venezuelan government remains in place.
Trump's determination to treat the Western Hemisphere as a U.S. sphere of influence has been characterized as a revival of the Monroe Doctrine in what became known as the Donroe Doctrine. Numerous politicians outside of the United States have criticized Trump's annexation comments. The Democratic Party has introduced bills to curb Trump from invading countries without the approval of Congress.