Associated Press: After Maduro capture, Trump’s tough talk evokes a return to the days of American imperialism

President Donald Trump’s rhetoric following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reignited debate over U.S. foreign policy and accusations of American imperialism. The Associated Press turned to University of Indianapolis historian Edward Frantz, chair of the history department and director of the Institute of Civic Leadership, to place Trump’s comments within a broader historical framework, noting that while past U.S. military actions have drawn imperialism comparisons, the explicit emphasis on hemispheric dominance marks a notable rhetorical shift. Frantz’s expertise helps contextualize the moment by connecting contemporary foreign policy language to earlier eras of U.S. intervention in Latin America, offering insight into how power, sovereignty and global perception continue to shape American political influence.