President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, as the U.S. Continues to exert economic pressure on Havana following a military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The comments, made February 27th, came as Cuba faces deepening economic hardship, including fuel shortages and blackouts, after the U.S. Blocked oil shipments from Venezuela.
“Maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba,” Trump told reporters as he departed the White House for a trip to Texas, according to reports. “We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba.”
The U.S. Has significantly increased economic pressure on Cuba, a nation heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil. The recent capture of Maduro by U.S. Forces disrupted those oil shipments, exacerbating the existing economic crisis on the island. Whereas the Trump administration initially tightened restrictions, it reportedly relaxed the policy this week as conditions in Cuba deteriorated.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly engaged in “very high level” discussions with Cuban officials, including Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro, according to reports from The Miami Herald and Axios. Trump indicated that Cuba is in a desperate situation, stating, “They have no money, they have no oil, they have no food and it’s really right now a nation in deep trouble and they want our support.”
The possibility of a U.S. Intervention in Cuba follows a recent, murky shootout off the Cuban coast involving U.S. Citizens and a stolen Florida boat, further complicating the relationship between the two countries. The incident prompted questions about the extent of U.S. Action in the region.
The comments from President Trump echo a pattern of assertive foreign policy following the Venezuela operation. The U.S. President has urged Cuban leaders to “make a deal,” signaling a willingness to negotiate, but as well hinting at more forceful measures if Havana does not respond favorably.
The situation is further complicated by the recent military intervention in Venezuela, which has been met with criticism regarding its legality. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer has called on the Trump administration to provide Congress and the American public with more details regarding the rationale and scope of the operation, stating the administration failed to provide “decisive details about the extent and urgency of the threat” before the attacks. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia labeled the military strike a “colossal mistake” and called for public statements from all Senators regarding the action.
Despite the criticism, the removal of Maduro without significant U.S. Casualties has resonated positively with some segments of the American public. The events in Venezuela and Cuba are seen by some as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the political landscape of Latin America.