US Considers Expanding Military Operations to Mexico, Colombia

US President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric on potential military action against suspected drug traffickers, signaling that operations could extend beyond Venezuela to include Mexico and Colombia. In an interview with Político, he also addressed issues spanning European politics, Ukrainian elections, and support for Hungary’s prime minister.

The comments reflect Trump’s broader worldview following the release last week of a comprehensive US strategic plan aimed at redefining the country’s role on the global stage. The National Security Strategy emphasizes strengthening US influence in the Western Hemisphere while warning Europe to adjust its policies or face serious consequences. “They are weak,” Trump told Político, referring to European leaders. “They focus too much on political correctness. They do not know how to act. Europe is directionless.”

In the Americas, Trump repeatedly declined to rule out sending US troops to Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro, “I do not want to rule anything out,” he said. When asked whether he would consider using force against drug trafficking hubs in Mexico or Colombia, he confirmed that he would.

Trump also reiterated his position that Ukraine should hold elections as the war with Russia approaches its fourth year. He noted that during his recent White House meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, he did not offer financial support to the Hungarian government, despite the longstanding alliance.

Military Deployment in Latin America

Last week, the US military carried out another strike against a vessel in the Eastern Pacific suspected of drug trafficking, killing four people, according to US Southern Command. The attack, ordered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, is part of Operation Southern Spear, a broader anti-narcotics effort targeting drug routes off the coasts of Latin America. Since early September, at least 22 US strikes on vessels in the region have killed at least 87 people.

The operations are intended to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, with the Trump administration framing the actions as part of an armed conflict against drug cartels, some allegedly linked to foreign terror groups. Details on the strikes remain limited, and questions have arisen about their legality.

US Military Presence in Mexico

Amid speculation about US intervention in Mexico, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected claims that American forces would be deployed unilaterally to Mexican territory. He emphasized that security cooperation between the two nations remains “historic” and grounded in mutual agreement.

Rubio addressed concerns over escalating violence in Mexico, including the assassination of former Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, highlighting questions about President Claudia Sheinbaum’s security policies. “We are ready to provide any assistance requested. Clearly, Mexico does not want US troops on its soil. We will not act unilaterally nor deploy forces there. However, we can offer equipment, training, and intelligence support if asked,” Rubio said.

Despite occasional tensions between the United States and Mexican governments under Trump, Rubio stressed that collaborative efforts on security and anti-drug enforcement continue to strengthen. “We maintain an excellent relationship with Mexico. Remarkable progress has been achieved in the first ten months of this year. There are no concerns about their commitment. The work we are doing together is historic,” he added.