America First approach is hitting hurdles under the Trump makeover

 
In 2026, U.S. diplomacy in Latin America is characterized by an "America First" approach, often described as a "Monroe Doctrine 2.0," prioritizing the reduction of Chinese influence, countering illegal migration, and addressing criminal organizations.

This strategy focuses on economic coercion, trade pressure, and the potential for military force to secure regional stability and U.S. interests, often sidelining traditional soft-power initiatives.

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto celebrated Laura F Dogu’s arrival, saying in a social media post that he welcomes her as part of the working agenda between the US and Venezuela governments. US sends Laura F Dogu as new top envoy to Venezuela.

Laura F. Dogu, the United States’ new top envoy to Venezuela, arrived in Caracas on Saturday as the Trump administration aims to reopen an embassy there for the first time in nearly seven years, reports CNN.

“I just arrived in Venezuela. My team and I are ready to work,” Laura F Dogu said in a social media post. It included two photos of the new envoy getting off a plane and walking on the tarmac.

In response to a request for comment on how long Laura F Dogu will be staying in the country, a State Department official said, “She will work with individuals from the private and public sector, as well as civic society, to advance the President and Secretary’s three-phased plan for Venezuela.”

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto celebrated Laura F Dogu’s arrival, saying in a social media post that he welcomes her “as part of the working agenda” between the US and Venezuela governments “aimed at establishing a roadmap for work on matters of bilateral interest, as well as addressing and resolving existing differences through diplomatic dialogue and on the basis of mutual respect and international law.”

Laura F. Dogu is the Chargé D’Affaires to the US Venezuela Affairs Unit, which is based in Colombia.

Her arrival in Caracas marks a significant public step towards the restoration of US-Venezuela relations. The US withdrew its diplomats and suspended operations at the embassy in Caracas in 2019. Earlier this month, a US State Department team traveled to Venezuela for the first time since Nicolás Maduro was captured, according to a US official.

Her arrival also comes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during a Senate hearing on Wednesday that Laura F Dogu would “ultimately” lead from Caracas and that the US would establish a diplomatic presence in Venezuela “very quickly.”

Earlier this week, the US State Department informed Congress that it plans to use a “phased approach” to potentially resume services at the embassy, which could include opening a temporary facility.