From his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida this past Sunday, former President Donald Trump referred to Cuba as a "failed nation." He also hinted at the possibility of his administration reaching a deal with Havana, according to statements made to the press.
The declaration was shared on the social media platform X by Rapid Response 47, an official account linked to the White House.
Trump stated that Cuba has "been a failed nation for a long time" and argued that its situation has worsened since it lost support from Venezuela. "We are talking to the people of Cuba, the highest-level people in Cuba. We'll see what happens," he emphasized.
The comments came upon Trump's arrival at Mar-a-Lago to attend the wedding of Dan Scavino, a former cabinet member during his first term.
Trump highlighted that a priority for his administration is addressing the issues faced by people residing in the United States who, according to him, have been "treated horribly by Cuba." This refers to individuals with family ties to the island who have been unable to return or reunite with loved ones for years.
These remarks occur amid a hardening of U.S. policy towards Havana, characterized by new sanctions and a deep economic and energy crisis in Cuba.
Recently, Trump claimed that his administration had started exploratory contacts with Cuba, a move that contrasts with the simultaneous tightening of sanctions.
The White House has not denied these contacts, while Havana has remained officially silent.
The immediate backdrop is an unprecedented energy crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by an executive order signed by Trump aimed at cutting off oil supply to the island through sanctions on third countries. This measure coincided with the halt of crude shipments from Mexico and the end of Venezuelan support, intensifying blackouts and causing essential services to collapse.
Washington presents this pressure strategy as a push for political change, while the Cuban government denounces an "energy blockade" and refuses any dialogue under sanctions.
Trump's Stance on Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What did Trump mean by calling Cuba a "failed nation"?
Trump's use of "failed nation" suggests that he views Cuba as a country that has been unable to maintain a stable government or economy, especially after losing Venezuelan support.
Is there a possibility of the U.S. reaching a deal with Cuba?
According to Trump's statements, there are exploratory talks happening at high levels with Cuban officials, indicating a potential for a deal, though no specifics have been provided.
How has the energy crisis in Cuba been affected by U.S. actions?
The energy crisis in Cuba has worsened due in part to U.S. sanctions aiming to block oil supplies, leading to increased blackouts and service disruptions.