US military chief Hegseth warns Cuba against acquiring military arms | Donald Trump News
Defense Secretary Warns Cuba Against Military Expansion
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a stern warning to the Cuban government on Wednesday, cautioning that attempts to enhance its military capabilities could provoke confrontation with the United States. His remarks were made during a visit to the U.S. military base at Guantanamo Bay amid increasing tensions between the two nations as the Trump administration escalates its stance toward Cuba.
“It would be unwise of the government of Cuba to procure weapons capable of reaching this base or the American homeland,” Hegseth stated. “They would be inviting a confrontation that they neither want nor can withstand. No country on Earth can match the capabilities of the United States.”
Hegseth did not elaborate on specific types of military hardware Cuba might pursue. However, his comments followed a report from Axios indicating that Cuba had obtained over 300 military drones, which could potentially target U.S. forces.
Cuba, situated approximately 90 miles from Florida, has historically maintained a contentious relationship with the U.S. Since the Axios report, Cuban officials have emphasized that the country does not pose a threat to the U.S., asserting their right to self-defense while accusing Washington of “fabricating pretexts” for potential aggression.
Tensions between the countries have escalated since Trump reassumed office in 2025. Following a failed attempt to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, Trump has hinted at possible military actions across Latin America, including Cuba. Additionally, he has enacted a de facto energy blockade against Cuba, threatening tariffs against countries that supply oil to the island, which has led to severe fuel shortages and widespread blackouts.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, criticized the U.S. sanctions earlier this week, stating they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in Cuba. “Children are dying because doctors lack access to essential medical supplies and medicines,” he said.
Despite the prevailing tensions, Hegseth expressed a desire for a positive relationship with Cuba, implying that change could be on the horizon. “Soon, we could be a friend of the leadership of the government of Cuba,” he remarked. However, he did not dismiss the option of military intervention, stating, “For now, let’s see what happens.”
Hegseth’s visit follows a recent trip to Guantanamo Bay by General Francis Donovan, the head of U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in Latin America. The U.S. government has consistently labeled Cuba an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to its national security, and reports suggest that Trump is pursuing regime change on the island.
“The future of Cuba is in the hands of the president of the United States and the leadership of Cuba,” Hegseth concluded.
