During an event at the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted on Thursday at potential political shifts in Cuba in the near future. He made these remarks in a conversation with Cuban-American businessman Jorge Mas, who owns the Inter Miami soccer club.
In a video shared on social media, Trump congratulated the team's co-owners, Jorge and José Mas, whose families fled Cuba, and suggested that significant changes on the island might be imminent.
"You all will return... You won't need my approval, just fly back. It'll be a great day," Trump remarked during their discussion.
Jorge Mas responded, "It's going to be an incredible day."
Trump further expressed his anticipation to reunite with Mas soon to commemorate what he described as potential developments in Cuba.
"We'll celebrate it separately. I just wanted to wait a couple of weeks... but we'll be together again very soon, celebrating what's happening in Cuba. They're desperate to make a deal. You have no idea," the president declared.
These comments came shortly after Trump indicated that his administration aims to change the dynamics in Cuba, making it possible for many emigrated Cubans to return.
"What's happening with Cuba is incredible... we want to fix that. It's only a matter of time before many amazing people return to Cuba," the president recently stated.
Trump has also hinted that political changes on the island could pave the way for thousands of Cubans living abroad to come back home.
The exchange with Jorge Mas took place during a reception Trump hosted for Inter Miami players, including Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, to celebrate the team's recent Major League Soccer (MLS) championship.
At the event, players presented the president with a club jersey bearing the number 47, symbolizing his position as the 47th president of the United States.
The meeting also marked the first direct interaction between Trump and Messi and provided a platform for Trump's remarks about Cuba's political situation, which he has repeatedly mentioned as a nation on the brink of significant change.
Potential Political Changes in Cuba
What did Trump suggest about Cuba's political future?
Trump suggested that political changes in Cuba could occur soon, allowing for significant transformations on the island.
How does Trump envision Cuban emigrants returning to the island?
Trump envisions that potential political changes in Cuba will enable many Cuban emigrants to return, as he believes it's only a matter of time before this happens.