What Does President Trump Say About Iran, Greenland, Venezuela & Latin America Crises?

In January 2026, President Donald Trump held briefings and Q&A sessions at the White House and aboard Air Force One to discuss foreign policy issues regarding Venezuela, Greenland, Iran, and Latin America. This Q&A covers President Trump's aggressive foreign policy moves during the first month of his second term. The content aggregates his remarks from the January 20, 2026 White House briefing (where he joined Karoline Leavitt) and recent "gaggles" regarding the "Don-roe Doctrine."

Here is the breakdown of the key points President Trump addressed in that Q&A:

1. Venezuela: The Capture of Maduro & Oil Control
The Event: Trump discussed "Operation Absolute Resolve," the U.S. military operation that allegedly captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife in Caracas on January 3, 2026.

Trump's Response: He confirmed that the U.S. is now effectively "running the transaction" in Venezuela.

Oil Policy: He announced that the U.S. military is enforcing a quarantine on Venezuelan oil, seizing tankers (the 7th seizure occurred on Jan 20) to ensure the U.S. controls the revenue until the country is "stabilized."

Quote: He framed this as a necessary step to "reimburse" the U.S. and re-establish Venezuela's economy, stating the U.S. would oversee the oil resources indefinitely.

2. Greenland: The "Purchase" and Tariff Threats
The Ultimatum: Trump escalated his demand to buy Greenland from Denmark, arguing it is essential for U.S. national security (specifically citing the "Golden Dome" missile defense system).

The Threat: In the Q&A, he doubled down on a threat to impose 25% tariffs on NATO allies—specifically naming Denmark, the UK, France, and Germany—starting February 1 if they do not facilitate the sale.

NATO Tensions: When pressed by reporters on whether this alienates allies, Trump was dismissive, stating, "You'll find out," and insisting that European nations would eventually "go along with it" because they need the U.S. market.

3. Iran: "Help is on the Way"
Current Crisis: Addressing the widespread protests in Iran, Trump warned the Iranian regime against harming protesters.

Policy Shift: He referenced recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordo and Natanz) and stated he has cut off diplomatic avenues until the "senseless killing" stops.

Economic Pressure: He announced a "secondary sanction" policy: a 25% tariff on any country (including allies) that continues to do business with Iran.

4. Latin America: The "Don-roe Doctrine"
Broader Strategy: Reporters asked about the so-called "Don-roe Doctrine" (a play on the Monroe Doctrine). Trump embraced the term, signaling a zero-tolerance policy for foreign (Chinese/Russian) influence in the Western Hemisphere.

Cuba & Colombia: He mentioned that "Cuba looks like it's ready to fall" and cited recent pressure on Colombia to comply with U.S. demands or face similar sanctions.

The "Educating Woke Reporters" Dynamic
During this session, Trump and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt frequently interrupted reporters who questioned the legality of the Greenland demand or the Venezuela operation, labeling their questions as "naive" or "anti-American." This dynamic is likely what the video title refers to as "educating."

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Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Jan. 20, 2026


Film Credits: White House Communications Agency