Monroe Doctrine cited in U.S. account of Maduro's arrest

President Trump invoked the Monroe Doctrine in describing the U.S. military action that led to Nicolás Maduro's arrest, and officials say Maduro will face criminal charges in the United States.

The U.S. administration has described the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro as tied to longstanding American policy, citing the Monroe Doctrine as part of its public rationale. The Monroe Doctrine was articulated in 1823 to oppose European interference in the Western Hemisphere. Over two centuries it has been referenced by U.S. presidents when explaining actions in Latin America. Political scientists and historians are now drawing connections between that history and the administration's explanation of this operation. Key points: - U.S. officials said forces captured Nicolás Maduro and that he will face criminal charges in the United States. - President Trump publicly cited the Monroe Doctrine as part of the justification for the action. - Scholars note the Monroe Doctrine has been invoked historically to justify U.S. interventions in the hemisphere. - The White House's recent national security strategy describes a "Trump Corollary" aimed at reasserting U.S. influence in the region. Summary: The administration's reference to the Monroe Doctrine links a long‑standing U.S. foreign‑policy principle to its account of Maduro's arrest. Maduro is reported to face criminal charges in the United States, and the longer-term U.S. role in Venezuela is undetermined at this time.