In a move that’s shaking up foreign policy, President Donald Trump has brought back the Monroe Doctrine, a nearly 200-year-old principle aimed at safeguarding U.S. interests in the Western Hemisphere.

Trump’s administration, through its latest National Security Strategy released this month, has reasserted American dominance in Latin America, prioritizing homeland security against drug trafficking while labeling this revival the "Trump Corollary," according to Fox News. 

For American taxpayers, especially those in border states, this policy shift could mean a tangible reduction in the financial burden of drug-related crime, as the administration targets cartels with military strikes. The legal exposure from unchecked trafficking—think billions in enforcement costs—might finally see a dent if these efforts hold. From a conservative standpoint, it’s high time we stopped footing the bill for lax border policies and demanded accountability from every player involved.

Historical Doctrine Meets Modern Challenges

The Monroe Doctrine, first introduced in 1823 under President James Monroe, was designed to curb European meddling in Latin America while cementing U.S. influence. Trump’s revival, unlike the Obama-era rejection of this policy, signals a return to prioritizing our own backyard over diplomatic niceties.

Back in 2013, former Secretary of State John Kerry declared, "The era of the Monroe Doctrine is over," at the Organization of American States. Well, that didn’t age well—Trump’s team clearly disagrees, and many conservatives are cheering a policy that puts American safety first over globalist handshakes.

Kerry also said, "The relationship that we seek and that we have worked hard to foster is not about a United States declaration about how and when it will intervene in the affairs of other American states." Fine words, but when drug cartels are flooding our streets with poison, equal partnerships take a backseat to protecting our citizens—full stop.

Military Strikes Ramp Up Pressure

Since September, the U.S. has conducted over 20 military strikes in Latin American waters, targeting suspected drug boats. One notable incident involved the destruction of a Venezuelan vessel on September 2, drawing attention to the administration’s aggressive stance.

Trump has also designated major cartels like Tren de Aragua and Sinaloa as foreign terrorist organizations, ramping up the stakes. On December 16, via social media, he labeled the Venezuelan regime under Nicolás Maduro a terrorist entity, refusing to recognize Maduro as a legitimate leader.

The administration claims Maduro’s government operates as a drug cartel, a charge that fuels these strikes. Trump even suggested on December 22 that it would be "smart" for Maduro to step down, a not-so-subtle nudge backed by military muscle.

Political Backlash and Legal Questions

These strikes aren’t without controversy, as Democrats and some Republicans on Capitol Hill question their legality. After reports of a second September strike with initial survivors, scrutiny intensified, with critics demanding clearer justification.

On December 3, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, along with Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul, introduced a war powers resolution to block Trump from using armed forces against Venezuela. It’s a classic Washington move—tie the president’s hands while cartels run rampant.

The administration, however, stands firm, insisting it has the authority to carry out these operations. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated, "President Trump has prioritized enforcing the Monroe Doctrine unlike any other President in decades." Good for him—someone needs to take the fight to narcoterrorists without endless debate.

Defending the Homeland With Resolve

Kelly also emphasized, "The President will continue to put Americans first by securing our Hemisphere, protecting our homeland, and striking designated narcoterrorists bringing deadly poison to our shores, just as he was elected to do." That’s the kind of clarity conservatives crave—no apologies for defending our people.

While the "Trump Corollary" draws from Theodore Roosevelt’s expansion of the doctrine, it’s tailored to today’s threats like drug trafficking. For communities ravaged by addiction, this isn’t just policy—it’s a lifeline worth fighting for.

Ultimately, Trump’s revival of the Monroe Doctrine is a bold rejection of the Obama administration’s softer approach, and it’s sparking debate about America’s role in the region. Whether you see it as overdue or overreach, one thing’s clear: the Western Hemisphere is back under Washington’s watchful eye, and the cartels better take notice.