The beginning of 2026 for the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump, was marked by sharp and ambitious foreign policy actions: from the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by special forces to "ambitious plans" for Greenland, which is under the de facto control of Denmark, and threats to support protesters in Iran with strikes from the U.S. Air Force. These events have become a topic of discussion in leading Western media.
Journalists note that Trump has once again introduced the tactic of "shock and ultimatum" into U.S. foreign policy. However, his strategy faces difficulties caused by resistance from allies and distrust among the American electorate.
At this point, the key question for Europe and the U.S. remains: is the policy of force a means of restoring influence, or does it lead to new crises?
We analyzed global news feeds and prepared an overview of the main reports related to Trump's course. Details can be found in the material 24.kg.
What are Trump's actions?
The operation to overthrow Maduro became one of Trump's first major foreign policy steps at the beginning of 2026. Western media characterize this move as a "sharp departure from diplomacy and a demonstration of power."Read more on the topic
Donald Trump "proclaimed" himself acting president of Venezuela
Bloomberg points out that the actions to remove Maduro demonstrate that Trump is focusing on direct military actions and forceful methods, rather than long-term negotiations and strengthening alliances. Analysts link this approach to an attempt to regain U.S. influence in the region after four years of relative quiet.
According to CBS News, Maduro was captured by American forces and taken to New York, where Trump stated that "the U.S. now controls Venezuela, which has radically changed in just a week."
We will govern the country until we ensure a safe, proper, and fair transition.
Donald Trump
According to Euronews, this statement caused discontent in Europe and was perceived as a violation of sovereignty.
The Wall Street Journal notes that Trump is "satisfied with the success of the operation to capture Maduro," which has given him "political capital" among Republicans, although experts warn of risks to international law and stability in the region.
Promises and Their Cancellation
Since December, mass protests in Iran have continued, triggered by the devaluation of the rial, and the authorities are harshly suppressing the demonstrations. However, information about what is happening is coming slowly due to the blockade imposed by the regime. The number of casualties remains unknown, with foreign sources reporting tens of thousands dead, although this data is unverified.
Despite Trump's threats earlier in the week, the U.S. has not yet struck Iran.
Trump noted that, according to his information, "the killings of protesters have stopped, and the execution of activists has been canceled." Many foreign media emphasize that "Trump did not give the order to bomb Iran due to pressure from allies."
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The Iranian ambassador to Pakistan stated that Donald Trump promised not to attack his country
The Guardian reports that Trump, announcing the suspension of threats, is basing his decision on information that "the killings have stopped," although this information remains unverified.
The Wall Street Journal clarifies that the decision to change course occurred abruptly. "Trump was considering serious options for a military strike but suspended them under pressure from allies and logistical problems that could affect the reputation of the U.S.," the article states.
AP News reports that Trump thanked Iran for "stopping the executions," which contrasts with his previous threats.
While Time previously quoted Trump urging Iranian protesters to continue their fight and claiming that "help is on the way," he then changed his mind. The publication notes that such inconsistency may indicate a potential, but postponed, intervention.
Greenland in the Crosshairs
Trump has once again spoken about making Greenland part of U.S. interests. Leaders of EU countries have expressed their concerns, and the very initiative to "capture Greenland" has raised alarms in Europe and diplomatic conflicts.Time reminds us that Trump intends to impose tariffs on countries that do not support his plans for Greenland. He accused the EU of colluding with Russia and China in the Arctic. European politicians condemned these statements, accusing Washington of attempting to violate sovereignty.
The Guardian also emphasizes that at a meeting with U.S. representatives, Trump expressed a desire to make a deal regarding Greenland, despite Denmark's official rejection.
This has led to an increase in NATO's military presence and discussions of possible economic and political sanctions.
The Guardian.
In addition to specific actions, Western media also cover public and political reactions to Trump's foreign policy course.
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Annexation of Greenland. The Foreign Minister cried during an interview
AP News reports that many of the U.S.'s allies, including EU countries, are concerned about the scale of American ambitions and pressure on NATO, especially after events in Venezuela and Greenland.
The American public also does not support their leader's ambitions.
A Quinnipiac Poll survey showed that 70% of Americans oppose military intervention in Iran, and 86% are against the forceful annexation of Greenland.
Thus, Trump's actions in Venezuela, his pause regarding Iran, and negotiations over Greenland evoke a mix of anxiety, bewilderment, and cautious pragmatism among Western media.
Western analysts emphasize that from the first weeks of the new year, Trump made it clear that his second term would be based on demonstrating power and coercion towards both allies and adversaries. It seems that the Trump administration has adopted the motto: "Whoever is not with us is against us."
