Democrats want to stop Trump even if it doesn’t help the US.
Progressive Democrats are moving to block President Trump’s foreign policy agenda in the Western Hemisphere, introducing a resolution that seeks to formally abandon the historic Monroe Doctrine and replace it with a dramatically different approach to U.S. leadership in the region.
The resolution, introduced Tuesday, was spearheaded by New York Democrat Nydia Velázquez and is being promoted as a shift toward what supporters describe as “mutual cooperation and respect” between the United States and its neighboring countries. Critics, however, say the proposal would weaken America’s influence and undermine longstanding national security principles.
According to Velázquez, the Trump administration’s renewed emphasis on asserting U.S. interests throughout the Western Hemisphere makes congressional action necessary. She and other Democrats argue that past American foreign policy strategies have contributed to regional instability and believe the United States should dramatically scale back its role.
Supporters of the resolution claim shared challenges such as illegal drug trafficking, mass migration, and environmental concerns require global cooperation rather than strong U.S. leadership. They argue the Monroe Doctrine—first established in 1823—no longer reflects modern diplomatic realities.
The proposal has drawn support from prominent progressive lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Greg Casar of Texas, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, signaling a broader push within the Democratic Party to redefine America’s role abroad.
Although the resolution faces long odds in the Republican-controlled House, it outlines a foreign policy vision that stands in direct contrast to President Trump’s America First approach. Observers note it serves as a preview of how Democrats might reshape U.S. foreign relations if they regain power.
President Trump has supported a modern interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing American leadership, strategic partnerships, and economic leverage to protect U.S. interests closer to home. His administration has promoted closer ties with governments willing to cooperate on border security, trade, and regional stability.
The administration has also applied diplomatic and economic pressure on governments viewed as hostile to U.S. interests, while publicly praising leaders who align with American priorities in Central and South America. Supporters argue this strategy strengthens U.S. influence and discourages foreign adversaries from gaining ground in the region.
Democrats backing the resolution dispute that approach, calling it outdated and counterproductive. The measure urges the State Department to formally declare that the Monroe Doctrine no longer guides U.S. policy toward Latin America and the Caribbean.
Instead, the resolution calls for what it labels a “New Good Neighbor” policy, which would expand congressional oversight of tariffs, foreign aid, and trade policy. It also advocates loosening restrictions on Cuba, increasing transparency around past U.S. involvement in regional conflicts, and expanding cooperation through international organizations.
The proposal is supported by the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker-affiliated organization involved in humanitarian advocacy. Group officials argue the Trump administration’s policies risk reviving what they view as outdated diplomatic frameworks.
For many conservatives, however, the debate highlights a sharp divide in Washington. While President Trump emphasizes national sovereignty, border security, and U.S. leadership abroad, progressive Democrats continue to push policies critics say could reduce America’s influence and weaken its negotiating position in a rapidly changing world.