"We're a superpower and going to conduct ourselves as a superpower": White House explains US actions under Trump

The real world is governed by power, and the United States is a superpower, so it will act like one, said Stephen Miller, one of US President Donald Trump's aides and White House Deputy Chief of Staff, commenting on the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

As reported by CNN, Miller said that people can talk all they like about international subtleties, "but we live in a world, in the real world … that is governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power."

He described this as "the iron laws of the world".

Miller emphasised that under the Trump doctrine, the US will use its military without hesitation to protect American interests, which he said are synonymous with the future of a free world.

"We're a superpower. And under President Trump, we are going to conduct ourselves as a superpower," Miller stated.

These comments came after Trump warned of possible new actions against other countries on 4 January. In particular, he threatened Colombia and said Mexico must "get their act together".

In addition, Trump recently promised that Iran would "get hit very hard" if it kills protesters.

He also renewed his threats to seize Greenland.

The prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland called on Trump to stop the pressure and threats regarding the island.

The Finnish president and the Swedish prime minister expressed support for Denmark and Greenland, as did the Baltic states.