Donald Trump has described Cuba as "a very weakened nation right now" during ongoing US negotiations with Havana, as a power blackout grips the country following a US-imposed oil blockade. The US president made bold statements about potentially taking control of the island nation.
Trump's Assertions on Cuba's Future
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump declared, "I do believe I'll be ... having the honour of taking Cuba." He added, "Whether I free it, take it – think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They're a very weakened nation right now." This comes amid discussions over Cuba's political future, with Trump claiming he could do "anything I want" with the country.
US Demands and Cuban Resistance
Shortly after Trump's remarks, the New York Times reported that US officials, citing four unnamed sources, told Cuba to remove its president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, from power during recent talks. Cuba has traditionally rejected any interference in its internal affairs, viewing such proposals as dealbreakers for agreements. Díaz-Canel, who succeeded Fidel and Raúl Castro in 2018, stated on Friday that he expects talks to occur "under the principles of equality and respect for the political systems of both countries, sovereignty and self-determination."
Intensified Pressure and Regional Context
The US has ramped up pressure on Cuba since seizing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in January, cutting off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatening tariffs on other oil sellers. This has strangled Cuba's antiquated power grid, leading to a total blackout. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state and son of Cuban immigrants, has long advocated for regime change in Havana. Trump has echoed this, calling for a "friendly takeover" but recently hinting it "may not be a friendly takeover."
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
Since removing Maduro and joining Israel in attacking Iran, Trump has openly suggested Cuba would be "next." Toppling Díaz-Canel would remove a key figurehead while leaving the repressive Communist regime, in power for nearly seven decades, intact. The situation highlights escalating tensions in the Caribbean, with Cuba's electrical grid collapsing under the strain of US policies. As negotiations continue, the future of US-Cuba relations remains uncertain, with Trump's predictions adding to the volatility.
