United States President Donald Trump has once again described Cuba as a "failed state," asserting that his administration is in discussions with "the top figures" in the nation to determine the future direction of U.S. policy towards Havana.
“Cuba has been a failed state for a long time, but now it lacks anyone to prop it up,” Trump declared on Sunday during a press interaction at his Mar-A-Lago residence.
The president noted that his government is "engaged in talks with the most significant people in Cuba" to "see what unfolds" in the coming months.
Trump also voiced his support for Cuban Americans who have been "horribly treated by the communist regime," expressing hope that they "can return to the island and do what needs to be done."
“Many of them have family there and haven't seen them in many, many years,” he added.
Trump reiterated that Cuba is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and stated that his administration “will not tolerate the actions of the Cuban communist regime.”
He believes the current situation in the country illustrates “the complete collapse of a failed system,” and that the U.S. “will act to protect its national security while supporting the aspirations of the Cuban people.”
These remarks reinforce the Trump administration's hardline stance against Miguel Díaz-Canel's government and align with the recent executive order declaring a national emergency, citing the policies and actions of the Cuban regime as “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to American security.
The Republican leader has tightened economic sanctions on Havana while seeking to cut off oil supplies from regime allies like Mexico and Venezuela.
Washington analysts interpret Trump’s repeated characterization of Cuba as a “failed state” as part of a strategy to force a U.S.-supervised political transition on the island.
Understanding the U.S. Stance on Cuba
Why does Trump consider Cuba a "failed state"?
Trump views Cuba as a "failed state" due to its long-standing economic and political instability, compounded by the recent lack of external support.
What actions has Trump's administration taken against Cuba?
The administration has imposed stricter economic sanctions and aimed to sever oil supplies from Cuba's allies, such as Mexico and Venezuela.
How does the U.S. plan to support the Cuban people?
The U.S. intends to act in defense of its national security while promoting the aspirations of the Cuban people for a better future.