On Thursday, President Donald Trump asserted that the Cuban regime is on the brink of collapse, attributing its deteriorating situation to the pressure exerted by his administration. He indicated that the crisis facing Cuba is a direct result of measures taken by Washington, including halting the supply of Venezuelan oil that propped up Havana for years.
During a phone interview with Politico, Trump discussed various foreign policy topics, emphasizing that the current turmoil in Cuba is linked to decisions made by his government. "It's due to my intervention, an intervention that's underway," Trump stated when questioned about the U.S.'s role in the potential downfall of the Cuban government.
The president highlighted that the economic pressure has visibly impacted the island, particularly after the interruption of Venezuelan oil — a key energy source for the regime. "We cut off all the oil, all the money... everything from Venezuela, which was their sole source," he declared.
Trump suggested that these measures have forced the Cuban government to seek dialogue with Washington amidst growing economic and political instability. "They need help. We are talking with Cuba," he announced, hinting at some level of communication between the U.S. and Cuban leadership, although he did not elaborate on the nature of these interactions.
The president expressed confidence that the worsening conditions on the island could lead to political change, portraying this as an outcome of his administration's strategy. "People love what's happening," he commented, defending his foreign policy approach on various fronts.
He boldly predicted the regime's downfall: "Cuba is going to fall too." Trump linked this scenario to the cessation of Venezuelan oil support, which for years sustained Cuba's energy and economic systems. "We cut off all the oil, all the money, or everything coming from Venezuela, which was the only source. And they want to make a deal," he reiterated.
At another point in the discussion, Trump remarked that the Cuban crisis represents a long-standing political objective for him, following decades of tension between Washington and Havana. "How long have you been hearing about Cuba — Cuba, Cuba — for 50 years?" he mused. "And that's one of the little things that interests me," he added.
Trump further implied that his administration believes economic pressure might compel the Cuban government to negotiate some form of agreement with the United States. "What do you think? After 50 years, that's the icing on the cake," he said when asked again about U.S. influence on the island's events.
The comments come at a particularly challenging time for Cuba, which is grappling with a severe economic crisis marked by food shortages, prolonged blackouts, inflation, and increasing emigration. In this context, analysts have pointed to the halt or reduction of Venezuelan oil supplies as a factor exacerbating the country's structural issues.
Trump directly linked this situation to his government's decisions, asserting that the cut in energy support from Caracas has had a direct impact on the regime's stability. "Obviously, otherwise they wouldn't have this problem," he argued.
Although the interview covered several international topics — including the conflict with Iran, the situation in Ukraine, and disputes in the U.S. tech sector — the references to Cuba stood out due to Trump's emphasis on attributing part of the pressure on the island's government to his policies.
Venezuela and Iran
Trump also stated that his administration maintains a positive relationship with Venezuela, a nation he described as a key player in the energy equation affecting Cuba. "Venezuela is doing fantastically. [Delcy Rodríguez] is doing a fantastic job. The relationship with them is excellent," he noted.
The remarks are part of a broader interview where the president defended his foreign policy decisions and downplayed criticism from various fronts. During the conversation with Politico, Trump also touched on the U.S. military offensive against Iran, asserting that Washington will play a significant role in shaping the country's political leadership once the conflict ends. "We will work with the people and the regime to ensure that someone comes in who can build Iran properly, but without nuclear weapons," he stated regarding the Middle Eastern nation's political future.
Although the main focus of the interview was on Iran and U.S. foreign policy, Trump devoted part of the discussion to insisting that the pressures exerted by his government are having visible effects on the Cuban regime and could influence its political future.
Impact of U.S. Policies on Cuba's Current Crisis
How has the U.S. intervention affected the Cuban regime?
The U.S. intervention, particularly through economic pressure and cutting off Venezuelan oil supplies, has significantly impacted the Cuban regime, contributing to its current crisis.
What role does Venezuelan oil play in Cuba's economy?
Venezuelan oil has been a crucial support for Cuba's energy and economic systems, and the cessation of this supply has exacerbated the island's economic challenges.
Is there communication between the U.S. and Cuba amidst the crisis?
While there are hints of some level of communication, the exact nature and extent of the dialogue between the U.S. and Cuban leadership during this crisis remain unclear.