In a stark commentary, CTV U.S. political analyst Eric Ham has framed the Trump administration's recent actions in Venezuela as a clear warning shot directed at Canada. Published on January 05, 2026 at 10:47 AM EST, Ham's analysis connects the dots between the military intervention in Venezuela and long-standing expansionist desires voiced by the former president.
A Pattern of Expansionist Ambitions
Ham points to a consistent pattern in Trump's rhetoric and policy, which he argues extends far beyond Venezuela. The analyst highlights Trump's publicly stated desire to acquire Greenland and his past musings about the potential takeover of Canada. According to Ham, the move against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—who recently arrived at a U.S. courthouse to face drug trafficking charges—is not an isolated event. Instead, it serves as a tangible demonstration of a willingness to use force to achieve geopolitical goals, directly challenging the sovereignty of other nations in America's sphere of influence.
The Canadian Context and Reaction
The analysis comes amid a backdrop of mixed reactions from Canadians to the U.S. actions in Venezuela. Ham suggests that Canada should view the situation with heightened vigilance. The underlying message, he contends, is that traditional alliances and borders may not be respected under an "America First" doctrine that prioritizes strategic and resource acquisition. This intervention, coupled with Trump's signals to U.S. oil companies about accessing Venezuela's reserves, underscores a realpolitik approach that could redefine continental relations.
Implications for Canadian Sovereignty
Eric Ham's central argument is a call for Canada to beware. He interprets the Venezuela operation as a live-action test and a precedent. If the international community's response is muted, it could embolden further actions that directly impact Canadian interests, particularly concerning Arctic sovereignty and resource control. The warning is clear: Canada must not dismiss Trump's past comments about annexation as mere bluster but must see them as part of a coherent, actionable philosophy demonstrated by the events in South America.
Ultimately, Ham positions this moment as a critical juncture for Canadian foreign policy and national security planning. The need for a robust, independent stance in defense of sovereignty, he implies, has never been more apparent.
