In a notable shift, the Trump administration has declared Latin America its top foreign policy priority, emphasizing the need to counteract Chinese influence and combat drug cartels. This strategy was outlined in a national security document published in November 2022, which introduced a 'Trump Corollary' to the Monroe Doctrine, aiming to prevent foreign rivals from controlling vital assets in the region. A significant action was the military intervention in Venezuela on January 3, 2023, resulting in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, with the US subsequently supporting his vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, to open the country to American investments, particularly in oil and mining. At a summit in March 2023, President Trump convened leaders from right-leaning Latin American nations to establish the Shield of the Americas, aimed at uniting efforts against drug cartels and foreign influence, particularly from China. However, the absence of key countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, which have leftist governments, limits the initiative's potential impact. Despite US efforts, China's economic ties with Latin America remain strong, with trade rising dramatically from $12 billion in 2000 to an estimated $518.5 billion in 2024. The political landscape in Colombia and Brazil may shift with upcoming elections, but Mexico's current leadership opposes US military intervention, complicating the US strategy.