In a bold statement that has captured attention, President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Cuba, urging the island nation to "make a deal" promptly or face dire repercussions. He emphasized that the current flow of Venezuelan oil and financial aid to Cuba is about to cease, which could have significant implications for the country.
Trump's focus on Cuba has intensified following a dramatic U.S. operation earlier this month that involved the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in Caracas. Venezuela has historically been a vital ally for Cuba, supplying approximately 35,000 barrels of oil daily. However, Trump declared that this support would no longer be available.
In a post on Truth Social, he noted, "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'Security Services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!" He added emphatically, "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE."
Interestingly, Trump did not elaborate on what he envisioned as the terms of a deal or what specific consequences Cuba might encounter if they fail to comply. He also referenced the raid that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom are facing various drug trafficking charges in the United States.
For years, Cuba has provided Maduro with personal security, and in the recent U.S. operation, the Cuban government reported that 32 of its nationals lost their lives. Trump remarked, "Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week's U.S.A. attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years."
He continued, asserting that Venezuela now has the backing of the United States, which he described as the most powerful military globally, promising, "to protect them, and protect them we will."
As of now, the Cuban government has yet to respond to Trump's latest threats. However, President Miguel Díaz-Canel previously honored the fallen Cuban combatants, referring to them as brave individuals who stood against "terrorists in imperial uniforms."
While the Trump administration has not laid out specific plans regarding Cuba, Trump has previously indicated that military intervention is unnecessary, suggesting that the Cuban regime is on the brink of collapse. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at the precarious situation of Cuba’s leadership, stating that if he were part of the Cuban government, he would be "concerned," asserting that "they're in a lot of trouble."
Additionally, Trump shared a social media post that floated the idea of Rubio, a Cuban-American and former Florida senator, potentially becoming president of Cuba, commenting, "Sounds good to me!"
The administration’s strategy of seizing Venezuelan oil tankers that have been sanctioned has already begun to exacerbate the ongoing fuel and electricity crisis in Cuba, raising questions about the future stability of the island nation.
