Trump’s Western Hemisphere Strategy Takes Shape as Greenland, Venezuelan Oil and Cuba Draw Attention

Three major geopolitical developments are putting President Donald Trump’s Western Hemisphere strategy in the spotlight: a new security agreement involving Greenland, a proposed U.S. partnership tied to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, and mounting economic pressure on Cuba’s communist government.

In September 2026, the United States, Denmark and Greenland signed a security agreement expanding American military access to the strategically important Arctic territory. The agreement strengthens U.S. defense capabilities but does not transfer sovereignty over Greenland to Washington.

Meanwhile, Trump announced an agreement involving access to Venezuelan oil fields containing an estimated 65 billion barrels in proven reserves. The administration presents the arrangement as a major step toward American energy security, although legal questions, infrastructure challenges and uncertainty over future production remain.

Cuba is also facing mounting economic difficulties, including fuel shortages, recurring power outages and growing pressure on its government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly called for political change, but the country’s future remains uncertain.

Together, these developments highlight Washington’s increasing focus on regional security, energy resources and strategic competition. Whether they ultimately reduce American dependence on China and Middle Eastern energy suppliers will depend on implementation, economic conditions and longer-term diplomatic outcomes.