Category: Foreign Dictators

Trump Chairs New Board of Peace, Isolates Western Allies

President Donald Trump signed a charter establishing his “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 23, 2026, positioning himself as permanent chairman of the body. Trump declared the board “one of the most consequential bodies ever created,” though major Western allies including the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia declined to participate, citing concerns about the organization’s structure, mandate expansion beyond Gaza, and the involvement of authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin.

The board’s charter grants Trump chairmanship that can only be terminated through his voluntary resignation or unanimous Executive Board vote determining incapacity—a provision that effectively insulates him from removal. Countries contributing over $1 billion receive permanent membership status, while standard members serve three-year terms, creating a two-tiered system based on financial commitment that blurs governance with fundraising.

More than 20 countries, including Argentina, Turkey, Hungary, Israel, Qatar, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan, committed to joining, while Russia and China received invitations without confirming participation. Trump withdrew Canada’s invitation after a dispute with Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Belgium publicly denied signing despite initial White House claims of its participation, undermining the organization’s credibility before its formal launch.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga form the founding Executive Board under Trump’s direct authority. Rubio contrasted the board’s promised “action” against the United Nations’ “strongly worded statements,” signaling Trump’s intent to position this body as a replacement framework for international conflict resolution independent of existing multilateral institutions.

France explicitly stated the board’s charter “goes beyond the sole framework of Gaza and raises serious questions” about undermining United Nations principles, while British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper documented objections to Putin’s potential participation in a peace mechanism given his active war in Ukraine. The selective membership and Trump-controlled structure demonstrate an attempt to construct an alternative international order bypassing democratic oversight and established diplomatic norms.

(Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/trump-board-of-peace-countries-davos-cost-nato-what-know-rcna255433)

Trump Warns Iran He Will Act if Regime ‘Kills’ Protesters

President Trump posted a threat on Truth Social on January 2, 2026, declaring the United States “locked and loaded and ready to go” to intervene militarily in Iran if the regime kills peaceful protesters during nationwide demonstrations. The warning came as Iranians protested economic collapse, soaring inflation, and currency devaluation, with reports of deaths and mass arrests as security forces deployed tear gas and detained demonstrators across Tehran, colleges, and regional cities.

Ali Larijani, Iran’s former parliament speaker and current secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, responded by claiming without evidence that Israel and the United States orchestrated the unrest. Larijani stated on X that U.S. interference would destabilize the region and harm American interests, warning Trump that he “began the adventurism” and should focus on protecting American soldiers rather than intervening in Iran’s internal affairs.

Trump’s threat marks a significant military escalation following a 12-day military campaign in June 2025 when Washington and Israel jointly struck Iranian nuclear sites. Trump has previously warned he would authorize additional strikes if Iran rebuilds its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, a position he reiterated during recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office promising economic reform and relief for citizens, responded by appointing a new central bank governor and meeting with business leaders to address rising prices and collapsing wages. On Thursday night, Pezeshkian stated that “people’s livelihoods are the government’s red line,” calling economic stability “non-negotiable,” though Trump did not specify what his threatened intervention would entail in practical terms.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/locked-and-loaded-trump-warns-iran-he-will-intervene-if-regime-kills-peaceful-protesters/)

U.S. launches military strikes on Venezuela, Trump says Maduro captured and flown out of the country

President Trump announced early Saturday that Delta Force operatives captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who were then flown out of the country following large-scale U.S. military strikes on Caracas and other locations. Trump confirmed the operation via Truth Social post and scheduled a press conference at Mar-a-Lago for 11 a.m. ET, stating U.S. law enforcement was involved without specifying which agencies. This operation follows Trump’s announcement of a “total and complete blockade” of Venezuelan oil tankers announced just weeks prior.

Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Maduro would face criminal charges in the U.S., where he was indicted in 2020 on narco-terrorism allegations. Rubio reportedly told Lee that “no further action in Venezuela” was anticipated now that Maduro was in U.S. custody, and that the military operation was deployed to protect those executing the arrest warrant. The Trump administration has maintained a $50 million bounty for information leading to Maduro’s capture, doubled from $25 million last summer.

U.S. military strikes targeted major installations including Fuerte Tiuna military base, La Carlota airbase, signal antenna at El Volcán, and La Guaira Port on the Caribbean coast. The operation represents the culmination of Trump’s rapid military expansion across Latin America through recent security agreements signed with multiple nations. The FAA banned U.S. commercial aircraft from Venezuelan airspace due to ongoing military activity, effective through Sunday morning Caracas time.

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez demanded proof of life and Maduro’s location on state television, while Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López announced military deployment across the country and declared a state of external emergency. The Venezuelan government called supporters to the streets to resist what it termed an “imperialist attack,” though the defense minister made no mention of Maduro’s reported capture.

Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona denounced the strikes as “illegal,” calling it the “second unjustified war in my lifetime,” while Republican Senator Mike Lee expressed constitutional concerns about military action absent a declaration of war or authorization for use of military force. Congressional measures to require approval for Venezuelan strikes have been voted down in recent months despite bipartisan pushback against the administration’s military buildup in the region.

(Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/venezuela-us-military-strikes-maduro-trump/)

US seizes second vessel off Venezuelan after Trump’s blockade threat, reports say | The Independent

The United States Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged tanker Centuries off the coast of Barbados in the Caribbean Sea, marking the second vessel confiscated in recent weeks as part of Trump’s blockade of Venezuelan oil. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the Coast Guard would “continue to pursue the illicit movement of sanctioned oil that is used to fund narco terrorism in the region,” though legal experts dispute the justification for seizing unsanctioned vessels.

Jeremy Paner, a former U.S. Treasury Department sanctions investigator, directly contradicted Trump’s stated policy by confirming the Centuries had not been sanctioned by the United States. Paner stated the seizure of an unsanctioned vessel “marks a further increase in Trump’s pressure on Venezuela” and “runs counter to Trump’s statement that the U.S. would impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers,” exposing the operation’s scope beyond its stated legal framework.

The Centuries carried 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan crude bound for China under a false vessel name and was part of a shadow fleet designed to evade sanctions. Since Trump’s first tanker seizure last week, Venezuelan crude exports have collapsed sharply, with an effective embargo forcing loaded vessels to remain in Venezuelan waters rather than risk confiscation, despite many not being under U.S. sanctions.

Trump’s military campaign against Venezuela has killed at least 100 people through more than two dozen strikes on vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, with announced plans for imminent land operations. Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro contends the military buildup aims to overthrow his government and seize the nation’s vast oil reserves, the world’s largest crude deposits.

The seizure strategy contradicts international law governing unsanctioned vessels and exposes economic objectives beyond counter-narcotics claims. If the blockade persists, the loss of nearly one million barrels daily will drive global oil prices higher, shifting market leverage and destabilizing energy markets while demonstrating Trump’s use of military and economic coercion to control foreign governments and resources.

(Source: https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/us-seizing-vessel-venezuela-trump-blockade-oil-tanker-b2888347.html)

Trump Does Putin’s Bidding and pulls out NATO funding

Senior U.S. defense officials have informed European allies that the United States will stop being NATO’s primary conventional defense provider beyond 2027. This shift comes amid ongoing support for Ukraine, although European countries will need to lead NATO’s defense efforts moving forward. The Pentagon emphasized that its focus has shifted to the Indo-Pacific region, necessitating this structural change.

U.S. arms deliveries to Ukraine are expected to increase ahead of Christmas, despite this strategic pivot. Washington’s message is clear: while support for Ukraine remains, European nations must prepare for a NATO where the U.S. is not the automatic first responder. A senior Western official described the mood as Europe being placed on a strict timeline to adapt.

Moreover, the Pentagon has warned European capitals to expect no surprises; it intends to reduce its contributions to NATO significantly. If a Europe-led NATO structure isn’t established by 2027, the U.S. is prepared to withdraw from key planning processes, including the NATO Defense Planning Process (NDPP).

While the Trump administration is not currently planning major troop reductions in Europe, it will cut the number of senior U.S. officers within NATO command. These steps have been characterized as a transition towards European leadership in collective defense, with NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander remaining American for now.

Overall, the shift marks the end of U.S. dominance in NATO and raises concerns about the transatlantic security landscape. The Pentagon’s drive for Europe to demonstrate military capability reflects its demand for verifiable evidence of European seriousness in regional defense.

(Source: https://www.kyivpost.com/post/65690)

Trump Closes Venezuelan Airspace Amid Maduro Tensions

President Donald Trump announced the complete closure of Venezuelan airspace, warning all parties—including airlines and drug traffickers—via a post on Truth Social. This declaration comes amid escalating threats of military action against the country and its leader, Nicolás Maduro, whom Trump accuses of orchestrating drug smuggling operations. The closure is part of a series of over 20 military operations targeting suspected drug-running vessels linked to Venezuela.

Despite ongoing tensions, Trump’s recent engagement with Maduro included discussions of a potential meeting, although none was scheduled. The strained relations follow the U.S. rejecting Maduro’s offer of a significant stake in Venezuelan oil fields to improve ties. In light of these developments, Trump’s administration has publicly acknowledged plans to strike Venezuelan military sites as soon as deemed necessary.

In alignment with his aggressive approach, Trump has also authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela and the Department of Justice is offering a $50 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest. While Trump previously underestimated the likelihood of war in Venezuela, discussions among his advisors suggest a land invasion is a possible option.

Fox News contributor Dan Hoffman hinted that Trump shutting down the airspace indicates multiple strategies are being considered for handling Maduro. The overall tone from Trump suggests an escalating rivalry, likely complicating prospects for a peaceful resolution in the region.

Trump Pledges Pardon for Corrupt Ex-Honduran President

Donald Trump has announced his intention to grant a full pardon to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence for drug trafficking. This declaration was made via Trump’s platform, Truth Social, where he asserted that Hernández has been treated “harshly and unfairly.”

Hernández, a former U.S. ally, was convicted last year for conspiring with drug cartels and facilitating the movement of significant amounts of cocaine through Honduras destined for the U.S. Prosecutors accused him of accepting millions in bribes which he allegedly used to bolster his political power.

Trump’s backing of Hernández coincides with the Honduran elections and is tied to support for another candidate, Nasry “Tito” Asfura. Trump’s statements on social media suggest that U.S. assistance will depend on Asfura’s electoral success, further entrenching the notion of quid pro quo in U.S.-Honduran relations.

This pardon signals Trump’s willingness to undermine judicial outcomes and restore leaders previously implicated in corruption and drug trafficking—a pattern seen throughout his dealings as president. Hernández’s attorney praised Trump, framing the pardon as a rectification of what they described as political prosecution.

The developments arrive amid heightened U.S. military operations in the Caribbean as part of a broader counter-narcotics effort, further complicating the interplay of U.S. foreign policy and local governance in Honduras.

Trump’s Ukraine Plan is Admittedly a Russian Wish List

U.S. senators, including Mike Rounds and Angus King, disclosed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed them that the recent peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump for Ukraine is nothing more than a “wish list” from Russia, rather than a legitimate framework for negotiations. Rounds emphasized that this assessment pointed to the plan’s significant concessions to Moscow, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently rejected.

Despite Rubio’s assertions contradicting the senators’ claims and alleging their misinterpretation of his statements, the confusion surrounding the Trump administration’s approach to the peace plan has deepened. The leaked 28-point plan elicited concerns that it merely rewarded Russian aggression while undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

Senators voiced that rather than advocating for legitimate peace negotiations, the plan might send a troubling message to other aggressors, essentially granting validation to their territorial ambitions. Rubio, under pressure, tried to clarify that the plan sought to be a productive starting point, yet many senators remained skeptical about its ethical grounding.

The unfolding situation highlights the increasing rift between Washington’s stance and the expectations of Ukrainian leadership. The implications of such a proposal raise serious questions regarding U.S. foreign policy and President Trump’s credibility on the international stage, particularly as nations observe the handling of this crisis.

As this scenario plays out, observers anticipate how both Ukraine and Russia will respond, while the Trump administration continues to navigate the backlash from U.S. lawmakers who view the peace plan as detrimental to international law and the sovereignty of nations.

Trump Hints at Ground Invasion of Venezuela Amid Escalation

President Donald Trump has indicated that the U.S. may soon expand military operations in Venezuela, suggesting a possible ground invasion. This statement follows the Trump administration’s ongoing military escalations, including recent strikes on drug-carrying vessels in the Caribbean, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 83 people.

During an address to U.S. troops, Trump highlighted that while Venezuelan drug traffickers are largely being targeted at sea, his administration plans to “start stopping them by land” in the near future. These remarks are the most explicit endorsement of land operations in Venezuela that Trump has made to date.

Republican lawmakers have expressed support for a full-scale invasion, with Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) suggesting it would benefit U.S. oil interests. However, a majority of Americans oppose military action, with a recent YouGov and CBS News poll revealing that 70% of respondents are against a U.S. invasion.

This potential military operation raises significant concerns regarding U.S. foreign policy and its implications, as it demonstrates Trump’s willingness to deepen U.S. involvement in South America amid widespread public disapproval.

Trump’s ongoing rhetoric suggests an aggressive strategy that contradicts public sentiment and raises questions about the motivations behind enhancing military actions, including potential economic advantages for specific sectors.

Marco Rubio Confirms Leaked Ukraine Peace Plan Not Trump’s

U.S. Senators, including Mike Rounds and Angus King, reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed them that the leaked 28-point peace plan for Ukraine is not a proposal from President Donald Trump but rather a “wish list” from Russia. Rounds clarified that the document was delivered to a U.S. representative, emphasizing that it did not originate from lawmakers but was leaked to the press.

At the Halifax International Security Forum, Rounds noted that the plan allows for the opportunity for both sides to respond but is not a recommendation from the U.S. government. King echoed this sentiment, asserting that the proposal represents Russian interests and not the formal position of the U.S. administration.

In response, Rubio defended the plan’s credibility via social media, claiming it was authoritatively drafted in consultation with the U.S. and based on input from both Russia and Ukraine. However, recent reports from Axios indicated that the Trump administration has secretly collaborated with Russia to create this peace framework.

The plan reportedly entails significant territorial concessions from Ukraine, including substantial reductions in military strength. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated hesitations about the proposal, and Trump’s comments to reporters suggested a lack of strong backing for the deal, implying it was not a final offer.

This incident underscores ongoing tensions and skepticism regarding Trump’s influence in shaping foreign policy, particularly in relation to Russia’s intentions in the Ukraine conflict, reflecting fears of authoritarian governance under his administration.

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