Former U.S. President Donald Trump has disclosed that he personally asked Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, to cease sending oil to Cuba. According to Trump, Sheinbaum adhered to this request.
In a statement made on Saturday evening, Trump highlighted Cuba's severe economic turmoil, emphasizing the regime's lack of financial and energy resources following the withdrawal of support from Venezuela.
"Cuba is without money and oil. They used to rely on Venezuelan funds and oil, but that is no longer the case," Trump stated, referring to the economic and energy collapse under the Communist Party's control.
Faced with this situation, Trump decided to take direct action, reaching out to the Mexican government to halt any indirect support to Havana's regime. "I told the president of Mexico that we didn't want them sending oil there, and she has not sent oil," he remarked, acknowledging Sheinbaum's cooperation.
The former U.S. president also hinted at potential negotiations with Cuba, though he stressed that any engagement would begin from a position of strength, given the regime's particularly dire moment. "We have a very bad situation for Cuba," he repeated.
Impact on Cuba's Regime
The stoppage of oil supply delivers another blow to the Cuban state apparatus, already suffocated by economic inefficiency, corruption, and military control under Raúl Castro and the GAESA conglomerate, while Miguel Díaz-Canel continues as a powerless figurehead.
In recent years, the fuel shortage has led to widespread blackouts, halted transportation, reduced production, and further deteriorated living conditions for the population, which remains burdened by a failed economic model.
Trump’s statements underscore international pressure against the Cuban regime and signify a regional shift, where allied governments are increasingly distancing themselves from Havana amid the system's evident collapse.
Prospects for Future Engagement
In another part of his remarks, Trump pointed to the possibility of future engagement with the island, though he reiterated that any negotiation would stem from the firmness of the United States. "I think we're going to make a deal with Cuba. We will be kind, but we have a very bad situation there," he said, without elaborating on potential terms for dialogue.
His comments confirm that U.S. policy towards Cuba remains driven by economic and diplomatic pressure, as the regime faces its most severe crisis in decades, lacking oil, liquidity, and with a population growing increasingly impoverished.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Relations
What action did Trump take against Cuba?
Trump requested Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum, to stop sending oil to Cuba, which she complied with.
How has the oil supply stoppage affected Cuba?
The halt in oil supply has exacerbated Cuba's economic woes, resulting in power outages, transport disruption, production decline, and worsening living conditions.
Is there a possibility of future U.S.-Cuba negotiations?
Trump suggested a potential future deal with Cuba, emphasizing that any talks would start from a U.S. position of strength.