Trump Demands Cuba Act on Deal or Face Oil and Money Cuts

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Cuba to “make a deal” on Sunday, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and financial aid to the island would cease if they do not comply. Trump’s remarks follow increased tensions after the recent actions against Venezuela’s leader, Nicolás Maduro, signaling a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy towards both countries.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” He emphasized the urgency by suggesting that Cuba should negotiate before it is “too late.” While he did not specify what kind of deal he was referring to, his comments underscore a hardening stance against Cuba, which has historically been an ally of Venezuela.

Trump’s strong rhetoric coincided with reports of a U.S. operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro, which he described as a significant moment for U.S. interests in the region. The operation reportedly led to numerous casualties among Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel, further escalating tensions.

Cuba has relied heavily on subsidized oil from Venezuela since the presidency of Hugo Chavez, which began a long-standing alliance that has seen Cuba import oil in exchange for security assistance. Trump noted that the economic crisis in Cuba may soon become untenable without this support, suggesting that the Cuban government could struggle to maintain its grip on power.

In a follow-up to his initial comments, Trump shared a post that hinted at Marco Rubio, a prominent Cuban-American senator, potentially becoming Cuba’s leader. “Sounds good to me!” he commented, reflecting his administration’s interest in reshaping Cuba’s political landscape.

Cuba’s government has pushed back against Trump’s assertions, with Bruno Rodriguez, the Cuban Foreign Minister, stating that the country has never received monetary compensation for its security services. He remarked that Cuba possesses the right to import fuel from any supplier without U.S. interference.

The U.S. trade embargo has significantly impacted Cuba’s economy since its implementation, leading to increased dependency on Venezuelan oil. Recent developments indicate that Trump’s administration might be taking a more aggressive approach toward Cuba and its allies, creating a complex geopolitical situation in Latin America.

Some Republican lawmakers praised Trump’s strong stance, including Mario Diaz-Balart, a congressman from Florida, who expressed optimism about the potential for change in Cuba. He remarked, “We are witnessing what I am convinced will be the beginning of the end of the regime in Havana,” suggesting that Trump’s second term could lead to significant transformations in the region.

As these developments unfold, the international community will be watching closely to see how Cuba responds to Trump’s ultimatum and whether the dynamics between the U.S., Cuba, and Venezuela will shift further.