President Donald Trump of the United States issued a stark warning on Monday, stating that Cuba is teetering on the brink of economic and energy collapse. He urged the government in Havana to negotiate a deal with Washington before it becomes "too late," amidst a crisis that has left the island nation devoid of both oil and essential financial resources.
In a conversation with journalists aboard Air Force One, Trump highlighted that the lack of fuel—stemming from Venezuela's halted oil support due to U.S. intervention—has plunged Cuba into a dire situation. The country now lacks the fundamental resources needed for basic operations, so much so that "they don't have fuel for planes to take off." This fuel shortage has crippled air travel, caused rolling blackouts, and disrupted essential services.
Trump's Urgent Call for Negotiation
Trump stressed that Cuba "should absolutely make a deal" with the United States, noting that the shortage of energy and funds poses a humanitarian threat to its citizens. He also mentioned that his administration, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are engaging with Cuban representatives in diplomatic discussions, although he did not elaborate on the potential terms of an agreement.
"The country is in such a bad state that there is no oil, no money, nothing," Trump declared, referencing the complete blockade of energy supplies that previously flowed from Venezuela.
Potential Terms of a U.S.-Cuba Agreement
While Trump did not publicly outline what the proposed deal might entail, analysts speculate it could involve political, economic, or security conditions set by Washington, potentially aiming for regime change or significant reforms in Cuba. This is seen as a part of a broader strategy referred to in the media as the Cuban crisis of 2026.
Military Action Not on the Table... Yet
When asked if a military operation similar to the one in Venezuela would be considered if no agreement is reached, Trump sidestepped the question but left a notable remark: "If I did, it wouldn't be a very difficult operation, but I don't think it's necessary." This statement leaves an implicit threat without committing to military action as part of the pressure on Havana.
Cuba's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Trump's warning comes at a time when Cuba faces an acute fuel shortage following the cut-off from Venezuelan oil, exacerbating power outages, water and food supply issues, and leading to school closures and suspension of international flights. The situation has been labeled a humanitarian crisis by international organizations.
While some governments have extended assistance in terms of food and medicine, they have not provided the vital energy supply that Cuba desperately needs, highlighting the complexity of the crisis.
Understanding Cuba’s Current Crisis
Why is Cuba facing an energy crisis?
Cuba is experiencing an energy crisis due to the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments, previously a crucial source of fuel for the island, compounded by U.S. interventions that have affected this support.
What are the potential consequences of Cuba's energy and economic collapse?
The collapse could lead to widespread humanitarian issues, including prolonged blackouts, shortages in essential services, and increased difficulty in accessing food and water, impacting everyday life significantly.