“President Trump recognizes the wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine.”
As the U.S. war with Iran entered its sixth day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to reassure leaders across Central and South America that Washington has not forgotten its own hemisphere.
Speaking Wednesday at United States Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida, Hegseth said the administration remains focused on securing America’s backyard even as U.S. forces battle Iran in the Middle East.
“President Donald Trump recognizes the wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine, and the days of us betraying and endangering our own citizens are finished,” Hegseth said.
The Pentagon chief went further, suggesting Trump’s approach amounts to an updated version of the centuries-old doctrine.
“President Trump has reestablished the Monroe Doctrine, the Trump corollary of the Monroe Doctrine, or if you like, for short, you can just call it the Donroe doctrine,” Hegseth said.
The remarks come as Washington attempts to balance the intensifying Iran conflict with concerns about growing instability and criminal networks in Latin America.
Hegseth stressed that defending the Western Hemisphere remains central to U.S. strategy.
“Under President Trump, securing America’s interests in the Western Hemisphere and keeping our homeland safe are our top national security priorities,” he said.
The Monroe Doctrine — first articulated in 1823 — declared that European powers should not interfere in the affairs of the Americas and has long served as a guiding principle of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Watch the clips below:
.@SECWAR “America’s retreat from protecting its citizens and the complacency of many neighbors in this hemisphere was a GREAT BETRAYAL against our people and our nations.
Well, President Trump recognizes the wisdom of the Monroe Doctrine—and the days of us endangering our own… pic.twitter.com/rh6gkUaiLk
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) March 5, 2026
🚨 JUST IN: SecWar Pete Hegseth says the "Trump Corollary" of the Monroe Doctrine is IN FULL FORCE
"Trump has reestablished the Monroe Doctrine, the Trump Corollary of the Monroe Doctrine. Or, if you'd like, for short, you can just call it the 'DONROE DOCTRINE.'"
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/kG931esASl
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 5, 2026
More over at The New York Post:
Pete Hegseth boosts Trump's Donroe Doctrine: US is 'finished' betraying its people https://t.co/TNtbGFTLfx pic.twitter.com/JhtEdPX3Gy
— New York Post (@nypost) March 5, 2026
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