Trump warns Cuba: “Make a Deal Before It’s Too Late” as Maduro Faces US Charges
Washington D.C. – January 13, 2026 – Former President donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba, urging the nation to “make a deal before it’s too late,” following the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This escalation in rhetoric comes amidst a broader shift in US policy towards Latin America, marked by assertive actions and threats of military intervention.
Maduro’s Capture and the US Response
The capture of Nicolás Maduro, as reported by The Sun,has triggered a series of pronouncements from Trump,signaling a more aggressive stance towards nations perceived as supporting destabilizing regimes in the region. Trump’s statements, delivered via his Truth Social platform, directly link Cuba’s past reliance on Venezuelan support to its current vulnerability.
“Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela,” Trump posted. “in return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuela dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! Venezuela now has the United States of America, the most powerful military in the World (by far!) to protect them, and we will protect them.”
He further warned that the flow of resources from Venezuela to Cuba will cease, stating, “I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE it is indeed TOO LATE.”
Cuba’s Economic Dependence and Potential Collapse
Trump’s assessment that Cuba is “ready to fall” echoes statements made last week, where he suggested military intervention wouldn’t be necessary, believing the cuban state is on the verge of collapse due to the loss of Venezuelan aid as reported by The Sun. Venezuela has been a critical economic lifeline for Cuba for decades, providing subsidized oil and financial assistance. The disruption of this support, coupled with Cuba’s existing economic challenges, raises serious concerns about the island’s stability.
the Cuban economy, already strained by decades of US sanctions and internal inefficiencies, is heavily reliant on external support. the loss of Venezuelan oil, which once accounted for a important portion of Cuba’s energy supply, has exacerbated existing shortages of fuel, food, and essential goods. This economic hardship has fueled social unrest and increased pressure on the Cuban government.
broader Regional Implications and Threats of Intervention
Trump’s actions extend beyond Venezuela and Cuba. He has also threatened military intervention in Mexico to combat drug cartels and hinted at similar action against Colombia, accusing these nations of contributing to the flow of drugs into the United States. He claims these cartels are responsible for the deaths of 250,000 to 300,000 Americans annually.
The raid that led to Maduro’s capture reportedly resulted in the deaths of 32 Cubans who were defending the Venezuelan president at the request of his government, highlighting the close alliance between the two nations. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that Cuban forces were providing security for Maduro and his wife.
US Policy Towards Cuba: A History of Restrictions
Trump’s current stance on Cuba represents a continuation of policies implemented during his first term, which included tightening restrictions and reversing some of the Obama-era efforts to normalize relations.These measures included banning cruise ship travel to Cuba as detailed by The Sun, aiming to cut off a vital source of revenue for the Cuban government.
The White House has stated its intention to end economic practices that benefit the Cuban government, military, and intelligence agencies, prioritizing aid to the Cuban people rather. Though, critics argue that these broad restrictions frequently enough harm ordinary Cubans and exacerbate the country’s economic woes.
Expert Analysis and Future Outlook
US Secretary of State Marco rubio has been a vocal critic of the Cuban regime, describing it as a “disaster” led by “incompetent, senile men.” He believes the Cuban government is facing significant challenges and warned Havana that its future is uncertain.
The situation remains fluid, and the long-term consequences of Maduro’s capture and Trump’s aggressive rhetoric are yet to be seen. Though, it is indeed clear that the US is taking a more assertive approach to Latin America, and Cuba is highly likely to face increasing pressure in the coming months. The possibility of a negotiated settlement between the US and Cuba remains uncertain, but Trump’s warning suggests that a deal is seen as the only way to avert a potential crisis on the island.
