U.S. President Donald Trump pledged on Friday in a Fox News interview that his administration will explore avenues to assist Cubans residing in the United States who endured hardships under the Castro regime.
During the interview, Trump discussed the political and economic issues plaguing Cuba and its long-standing reliance on Venezuela. He reaffirmed his commitment to directly aid Cuban-Americans and exile communities that have long condemned the island's history of persecution and human rights violations.
While Trump did not disclose specific programs or policies, his remarks signaled a supportive stance towards the Cuban diaspora and their struggles under the Castro leadership.
These comments come amid the ongoing intervention in Venezuela, a longstanding ally of Havana. "Cuba has always depended on Venezuela for money and oil, and provided protection to Venezuela. That was always the deal," stated the president, criticizing the energy dependency that has characterized the Cuban regime in recent years.
Trump highlighted that the dynamics are shifting with the current intervention in Venezuela, where the U.S. has taken a leading role following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. As a result, traditional energy ties are undergoing scrutiny.
The U.S. president asserted that the loss of Venezuelan support further weakens Havana and casts doubt on the sustainability of Cuba's economic model, though his analysis was broad and lacking in specific figures. "I don't know how they survive without Venezuela," he remarked during the interview.
On the domestic front, Trump emphasized the importance of Senator Marco Rubio as a critical ally who "knows Cuba very well" and has been a consistent critic of the Castro regime.
U.S. Policy and Cuban Civil Society
Experts note that this position aligns with the overall U.S. policy towards Cuba, which aims to bolster civil society, promote freedom, and apply pressure on the regime for its human rights abuses.
Trump's promise adds to a landscape of shifts in hemispheric policy, where the situation in Venezuela remains a strategic focus for Washington. Meanwhile, Cuba's economy continues to grapple with a prolonged crisis marked by shortages, blackouts, and a dwindling oil supply from Caracas.
Key Questions About U.S. Support for Cuban-Americans
What specific support has Trump promised to Cuban-Americans?
Trump has not detailed specific programs or policies but has expressed a general commitment to assist Cuban-Americans who suffered under the Castro regime.
How does Venezuela's situation impact Cuba?
Venezuela has historically provided economic support to Cuba, especially in terms of oil. The current U.S. intervention in Venezuela and the loss of this support weakens Cuba's economic stability.