During a press briefing at the White House on May 21, President Donald Trump characterized Cuba as a failing nation, citing its lack of electricity, money, and food. He expressed a commitment to assist the island, claiming he could resolve issues that previous administrations had struggled with for decades.
Responding to questions about the deployment of an aircraft carrier in the Caribbean, Trump stated, “No, not at all. Cuba, listen, is a failing country. Everyone knows they have no electricity, no money, they really have nothing, no food, and we are going to help them.” He emphasized his intention to provide humanitarian aid while also considering the interests of the Cuban-American community, many of whom reside in Miami and Florida.
“Other presidents have watched this for 50, 60 years, did something. And it seems that I will do it. I will be happy to do it. We want to open this up for Cuban Americans so they can return and help,”
he added.
Trump praised Cuban Americans as a “wonderful, amazing, hardworking group of people” and acknowledged their desire to return to Cuba and contribute to its recovery.
On January 30, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency regarding Cuba, citing the Cuban government’s actions as a significant threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. He accused Havana of supporting hostile nations and terrorist organizations, including Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
The Cuban government responded by asserting that the U.S. poses a threat to the island and declared a state of international emergency.
On March 6, Trump predicted that the Cuban government would soon collapse and expressed a desire to negotiate with them. He also indicated plans to appoint U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as a representative in Cuba.
Trump’s administration aims to dismantle the communist regime in Cuba, accusing it of terrorism and drug trafficking to the U.S. and fostering anti-American sentiments in the region.
On March 10, Trump stated that the Cuban authorities had two options: accept a change in leadership with U.S. support or refuse, with the outcome being the same.
“This could be a friendly takeover. Or it may not be friendly. It doesn’t matter because they are already on their last breath. They have no energy. They have no money,”
he remarked, noting the severe economic and humanitarian crisis facing Cuba.
He also mentioned that representatives from the Cuban government had reached out to the U.S. due to the dire economic situation, indicating ongoing contacts between Washington and Havana regarding potential developments.
On March 13, Senate Democrats introduced a resolution aimed at prohibiting Trump from using military force against Cuba without prior Congressional approval.
During a speech in the Oval Office on March 16, Trump referred to Cuba as a “very weakened nation” and stated that it would be an honor for him to “take Cuba.” When pressed for clarification on what he meant by “take,” Trump explained:
“Taking Cuba in one form or another. I mean, whether I liberate it or take it — I think I can do whatever I want with it,”
he said. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel responded by acknowledging the possibility of an attack on Cuba and stated that his government is preparing to defend itself.
President Trump has vowed to assist Cuba, describing it as a failing nation facing severe economic challenges. His administration's approach includes both humanitarian aid and potential political changes, while the Cuban government prepares for possible military threats from the U.S.