Trump Suggests US Control of Venezuela: An Old American Tradition
When The Hill reported on Trump's 2020 remarks about managing Venezuela, they presented it as a typical Trumpian gaffe. What's often overlooked, however, is the historical context of such sentiments. The U.S. has a rich, well-documented history of 'running' other nations, particularly those blessed with desirable natural resources, without the tiresome formality of direct colonial rule. From the
United Fruit Company's influence in Central America (known then as 'banana republics') to the countless CIA-backed coups designed to install 'friendly' regimes, the pattern couldn't be clearer. One might wonder if this 'running' involves ensuring stable oil supplies for American markets, or perhaps 'assisting' in resource extraction for U.S. corporations. The irony here, of course, is that
previous administrations simply did this covertly while maintaining democratic pretense. Trump, ever the blunt instrument, merely bypassed the usual performative diplomacy. It’s not a new policy, just a less politely worded one. The only real shock is that a sitting U.S. President said the quiet part out loud.