For years, hostile regimes have tested the limits of American resolve, calculating that the United States would avoid confrontation even when its security interests were directly threatened. President Donald Trump has now upended that calculation.

The recent U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro, followed by tough diplomacy, combined with Trump’s clear warnings to Iran, sends an unmistakable message to every regime that thrives on hesitation. This administration will use our full national security toolkit when required to defend U.S. security interests, protect global stability, and impose consequences on those who fuel violence and repression.