From its creation by President James Monroe in 1823 until today, the Monroe Doctrine has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.This policy asserts foreign interference in the Americas will be met with American resolve, shaping generations of diplomatic, military, and security decisions. From Cold War efforts to halt the expansion of communism to modern questions of sovereignty, the doctrine continues to frame America’s interactions with our neighbors, politically, economically, and on practical matters like border security.
Last week, U.S. law enforcement, supported by the U.S. military, arrested Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro to face federal criminal charges. Maduro, along with his wife and others from his government, was first indicted in 2020 on U.S. narcoterrorism charges, with President Biden increasing the reward for Maduro’s arrest in January 2025. I am pleased Maduro was arrested without loss of American lives or extended military engagement.
Until Saturday, Maduro had served as leader of Venezuela despite broad international consensus his government stole the most recent election, preventing pro-democracy opposition from taking power. Russia, Communist China, Iran, and other rogue states were key supporters of Maduro’s regime. While Venezuela’s future must lie in the hands of its people, celebrations across the Venezuelan diaspora provided a strong reminder of their outcry for democracy, and it remains in the best interest of both Americans andVenezuelans for the future Venezuela to be free, prosperous, and independent.
