Swamp Notes Why Trump wants to ‘run’ other countries
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Jan 9, 2026 
Edward Luce, U.S. national editor at the Financial Times, and Amy Mackinnon, the FT's foreign affairs correspondent, dive into the Trump administration's bold moves in foreign policy. They explore the tumultuous military operation aimed at capturing Nicolás Maduro and the administration's desire for control in the Western Hemisphere. The discussion covers Trump's fixation on Greenland, the implications of the Monroe Doctrine, and the political ramifications of intervention. Luce and Mackinnon also analyze the risks and legalities surrounding these strategies, questioning the costs of such audacious ambitions.
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Execution Of The Maduro Operation
- The US ran an intelligence-driven operation to capture Nicolás Maduro using months of CIA reconnaissance and a major military air operation.
- The raid required timing for accessibility, minimal civilian risk, and favorable weather with over 150 flights involved.
Motives Behind Intervention
- Trump seeks to remove adversaries and secure resources like oil while reshaping regional influence in the Western Hemisphere.
- The administration frames actions as targeting narco-trafficking and reasserting a Trump-branded Monroe Doctrine.
US Intends Deep Engagement
- Saying "we would like to run the country" signals deep U.S. involvement after removing Maduro, raising questions about post-operation planning.
- Marco Rubio framed a three-step approach: stabilisation, recovery, then transition, implying longer-term engagement.