Money & Macro Talks Dr. Wess Mitchell defends Trump's foreign policy
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Feb 5, 2026 
Dr. Wess Mitchell, former Assistant Secretary of State and author on grand strategy, outlines strategic consolidation as a guiding principle. He discusses U.S. actions in Venezuela, the strategic value of Greenland, NATO and Arctic priorities, and renegotiating transatlantic burdens. He frames disruption and hard bargaining as tools to preserve U.S. power amid rising great power competition.
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Strategy Of Strategic Consolidation
- Strategic consolidation explains many Trump-era moves as shoring up the home area first.
- The goal is to match means to ends while rebuilding industry, energy, and alliances for long-term rivalry with China.
Prioritize Key Regions First
- Prioritize the most vital regions like the Western Hemisphere and the Indo-Pacific when resources are constrained.
- Expect allies to shoulder more burden while the U.S. renovates its industrial and energy base.
Venezuela As Hemispheric Consolidation
- Venezuela was targeted to expunge rival influence from America's near abroad while avoiding large ground wars.
- The raid and seizure curtailed oil flows to adversaries and created leverage over Russia, China, and Cuba.