The Donroe Doctrine derives its name from a fusion of Donald (referring to Donald Trump) and Monroe (after James Monroe), the U.S. president who famously declared in 1823 that "America is for Americans."
Fast forward two centuries, and Trump has resurrected this principle with a more assertive approach. The United States is once again asserting its influence in the Western Hemisphere, with Cuba as a primary focus.
From the Monroe Doctrine to the Donroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was established in 1823 with a straightforward message: Europe should refrain from interfering in the Americas. Its aim was to safeguard the independence of newly formed republics and prevent recolonization. At that juncture, the United States was still solidifying its status as a nation after gaining independence and waging war against Great Britain, yet its hemispheric ambitions were already evident.
Throughout the 20th century, the doctrine evolved with the Roosevelt Corollary, granting Washington the authority to intervene in Latin America to "maintain order." Later, under Eisenhower and through the domino theory, it was employed to combat communism and intervene in countries such as Nicaragua, Cuba, Guatemala, Chile, and Grenada, turning Latin America into the "backyard" of the United States.
Trump Revitalizes and Transforms the Doctrine
During his second term, Donald Trump declared in the 2025 National Security Strategy that the United States would "enforce the Monroe Doctrine to restore its dominance in the Western Hemisphere." The New York Post dubbed this revamped version the "Donroe Doctrine," merging his name with Monroe's. Embracing it with pride, Trump remarked, "We have surpassed it; now it is the Donroe Doctrine."
The core of this doctrine is to reaffirm U.S. authority over the Americas, combat drug trafficking and illegal immigration, curb China and Russia, and maintain military presence wherever deemed necessary. As Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated, "America can project its will wherever and whenever it chooses."
Venezuela: The First Test Case
The implementation of the Donroe Doctrine began with Operation Absolute Resolve. In January 2026, U.S. forces apprehended Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. Washington announced plans to "govern" Venezuela until a democratic transition is achieved, while Delcy Rodríguez temporarily assumed leadership under U.S. supervision. This Venezuelan case represents the first practical application of the new Trumpist corollary, characterized by force, control, and rewards for allies.
Countries like Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Guatemala receive economic and trade benefits in exchange for their support.
Cuba: The Next Target
Following the fall of Chavismo, Cuba emerges as the last stronghold of the anti-American axis in Latin America. Trump and Marco Rubio perceive the regime in Havana as the epicenter of regional destabilization, due to its influence in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Analysts suggest that the Donroe Doctrine is setting the stage for intense pressure on Cuba. The main strategies include diplomatic isolation, cutting off oil supplies, imposing sanctions on GAESA, and covert actions that could hasten a transition. While the Castro regime dreads a forced change, the opposition and exiles watch with hope for a potential end to the communist system after more than 60 years of repression on the island.
As Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "America is our neighborhood, and we will protect it."
In essence, the Donroe Doctrine signifies the return of U.S. power to the hemisphere, with Cuba at the forefront.
The Impact and Implications of the Donroe Doctrine
What is the main goal of the Donroe Doctrine?
The main goal of the Donroe Doctrine is to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere by combating drug trafficking, illegal immigration, and foreign influence from countries like China and Russia.
How has the Donroe Doctrine been applied in Venezuela?
The Donroe Doctrine was applied in Venezuela through Operation Absolute Resolve, where U.S. forces captured Nicolás Maduro and initiated a U.S.-supervised democratic transition.
Why is Cuba considered a key focus of the Donroe Doctrine?
Cuba is viewed as a key focus of the Donroe Doctrine because it is seen as the last bastion of anti-American sentiment in Latin America, with significant influence over countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua.