History is repeating itself in the Western Hemisphere, but this time with the brilliance of the minerals of the future . A recent investigation published by El Observador From Uruguay, it reveals the systematic plan of the Donald Trump administration to secure control of Latin America's strategic natural resources, in what represents a fierce and modern application of the Monroe Doctrine: "America (its resources) for the Americans (of the United States)."

The data collection exposes a network of alliances, memoranda of understanding, and diplomatic pressure on sovereign nations, with the sole objective of securing US supply chains and countering China's dominance. This is not development cooperation; it is a strategy of appropriation disguised as diplomacy, reminiscent of the darkest periods of colonial intervention in the region .

Richardson, Trump and the confession of part

This offensive comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with Washington's rhetoric. Former head of Southern Command, General Laura Richardson , had already "made the US position clear" by openly referring to the region's resources (the Lithium Triangle, Venezuelan oil, copper, fresh water) as elements of "national security" for the United States.

Donald Trump and his officials have only intensified this approach. The recent "Ministerial Meeting on Critical Minerals" in Washington, which brought together 54 countries, served as the stage for formalizing this progress. Caleb Orr , Secretary of State for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, confirmed to El Observador that the Western Hemisphere is a "central hub" because it holds the world's largest reserves of these minerals, which are essential for technology and, fundamentally, for U.S. military development.

Under this scheme, initiatives such as FORGE (Forum for Participation on Resources and Geostrategy) and "Pax Silica" have been launched, platforms designed to coordinate policies, prices and projects, ensuring that the flow of these vital resources is directed and controlled by Washington and its allies.

The Map of Dependency: Country by Country

The research details how the United States is "formatting" its bilateral relations based on each nation's geological wealth:

Argentina and Total Submission: Under Javier Milei 's government, Argentina has become the model student of this new colonial phase. Washington has signed a framework agreement on critical minerals and celebrates Milei 's "great leadership" in identifying promising lithium and copper projects. Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno was part of the "family photo" in Washington, solidifying a strategic alliance where Argentina provides the resources and the U.S. reaps the benefits, even facilitating the country's entry into the exclusive "Pax Silica" group.

Venezuela and the New Tutelage: Following the political shift in Caracas, the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro, and the installation of a puppet government, Washington is exercising direct control. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum arrived in Caracas with representatives from mining giants such as Peabody Energy and Glencore . The objective is clear: to gain access to Venezuela's reserves of bauxite, nickel, gold, and rare earth elements, in addition to oil . The Trump administration is already moving forward with a second phase to reform Venezuela's Mining Law , replicating models that open the sector to unconditional foreign investment.

Brazil and Pragmatic Recomposition: Despite political differences, the Trump administration seeks to rebuild ties with the government of Lula da Silva , aware that Brazil is an "essential strategic partner" due to its reserves of heavy rare earth elements. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) already finances projects in Goiás (Serra Verde and Aclara). Washington not only wants the mineral but also control of its processing, a key link currently dominated by China.

Paraguay and the Military-Industrial Base: The agreement with President Santiago Peña goes beyond resource extraction. The memorandum commits Paraguay to intensify cooperation in supplying minerals needed for U.S. "advanced and defense technologies." This is complemented by the enactment of the SOFA agreement, which authorizes the temporary presence of Pentagon military and civilian personnel on Paraguayan territory, linking resource plunder with a direct military presence.

Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia: In Peru, Washington has signed a memorandum of understanding to gain access to copper, lithium, and silver. In Ecuador, another framework agreement was signed to identify copper and gold projects, under the pretext of "resilience." Even in Bolivia, after decades of autonomy, current President Rodrigo Paz seeks a "strong alliance" with the U.S. to attract lithium technology, with the explicit aim of "breaking the Chinese monopoly."

Chile: The "Preferred Partner" under the Pentagon's microscope

If Argentina is the model student, Chile is the ultimate target due to its production volume . The Donald Trump administration has identified the Andean country not only as a supplier, but as a non-negotiable element of "national security." Following the inauguration of José Antonio Kast 's new government in March 2026, the alignment with the White House has been immediate and profound.

Barely into his term, Kast signed a joint declaration with US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau to create a permanent technical consultation mechanism on critical minerals and rare earth elements. The key points of the US initiative in Chile are:

Ultimately, the projection regarding Chile seeks to close the net around the Lithium Triangle , ensuring that the heart of the global energy transition is managed from the offices of the State Department in Washington.

A Future of Plunder

The outlook for the immediate future is one of a fragmented Latin America, subservient to the needs of the northern power . The supposed "concern" of the US regarding "high standards" or "illegal mining" is merely the rhetoric necessary to displace China and impose its own rules of the game.

The Monroe Doctrine is alive and well in the 21st century. As long as the countries of the region continue to surrender their strategic resources without a sovereign vision and regional integration, they will remain the "backyard" where wealth is extracted to finance the development and military power of others.