Trump suggests a ‘friendly takeover’ of Cuba amid US fuel blockade | Donald Trump News
Trump Suggests Amicable U.S. Takeover of Cuba Amidst Tensions
President Donald Trump recently indicated that the United States might consider a friendly takeover of Cuba, a statement made while he was preparing to depart the White House for Texas on Friday.
Addressing reporters, Trump discussed the current strained relations between the U.S. and several nations, including Iran and Cuba, expressing a desire for new governance in both regions. Regarding Cuba, he noted that an amicable transition could be “very positive for the people who were expelled or worse.”
“The Cuban government is talking with us, and they’re in a big deal of trouble,” Trump stated, emphasizing the nation’s financial struggles. “They have no money. They want our help.” He further elaborated on the possibility of a “friendly takeover,” suggesting it could benefit both nations.
Trump, who has advocated for regime change in Cuba over the past two months, described it as “a failing nation” and reiterated that the country is on the brink of collapse. He pointed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban American known for his tough stance on Cuba, as leading efforts in this initiative.
Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba have been ongoing for decades, particularly since the U.S. imposed a comprehensive trade embargo in the 1960s that has severely impacted the island’s economy. The situation has escalated recently after Trump authorized a military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, an ally of Cuba, resulting in significant casualties among Cuban soldiers.
In response to the operation, Trump’s administration increased pressure on the Cuban government, prohibiting the flow of Venezuelan oil and funds to the island, further straining Cuba’s already troubled economy. Analysts from the United Nations have warned of a potential humanitarian crisis, with experts questioning the legitimacy of the U.S. rationale that Cuba poses a serious threat to national security.
Despite this, the Trump administration has shown signs of potentially easing some pressures on Cuba. In recent announcements, the U.S. allocated $6 million in humanitarian aid for distribution through non-governmental organizations, aiming to assist the Cuban populace rather than the government. Additionally, the Treasury Department introduced a favorable licensing policy for Venezuelan oil resales to Cuba, contingent upon barring any transactions with the Cuban military or intelligence services.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has condemned these actions, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to destabilize the Cuban economy with its blockade. Diaz-Canel stated that Cuba would continue to defend its sovereignty against perceived external threats.
As the situation unfolds, analysts suggest that ongoing humanitarian concerns could influence U.S. policy decisions, especially given past migrations from Cuba during crises. The region remains watchful of developments as diplomatic tensions persist.
