During the Americas Shield Summit in Miami, President Donald Trump humorously suggested that the political situation in Cuba could be swiftly resolved, proposing that Secretary of State Marco Rubio might handle the matter "in an hour."
Trump's light-hearted comment came as he addressed the regional agenda of his administration before Latin American and Caribbean leaders gathered at Trump National Doral.
Turning to Rubio with a playful tone, Trump asked, "What are you going to do, Marco? Take two days off?" He continued, "No, maybe an hour. He'll take an hour off and then finish a deal on Cuba," eliciting laughter from the audience.
The President also stated that his administration is engaged in discussions with Havana, suggesting that reaching an agreement would not be difficult. "They want to negotiate, and they are negotiating with Marco and me," he emphasized.
Highlighting Cuba's challenges, Trump described the island's political system as being in a critical phase and characterized its economy as struggling. "Cuba is at the end of the line. They have no money, no oil. They have a bad philosophy and a bad regime," he declared to the assembled leaders.
Trump linked the island's situation to the declining economic alliance it once had with Venezuela. According to him, the Cuban government heavily relied on oil and resources sent from Caracas, a relationship that he believes no longer sustains the regime.
"They used to get money and oil from Venezuela. Now they have none of that," he stated.
Moreover, Trump predicted that Cuba's current political model is in its "final moments," while expressing optimism about the country's potential for significant transformation.
"Cuba is in its last moments of life as it exists today. It will have a great new life," he concluded.
The remarks were made during the Americas Shield Summit, a regional gathering organized by the White House that brought together leaders from 12 Latin American and Caribbean nations to discuss security, drug trafficking, migration, and hemispheric cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Political Situation
What is the Americas Shield Summit?
The Americas Shield Summit is a regional event organized by the White House, bringing together leaders from Latin American and Caribbean countries to discuss issues such as security, drug trafficking, migration, and cooperation.
How does Trump view the current state of Cuba?
President Trump views Cuba's current political system as being in a critical phase, describing its economy as struggling and predicting that the political model is in its final moments, with potential for significant change.
What role does Marco Rubio play in negotiations with Cuba?
Marco Rubio, as mentioned by President Trump, is involved in negotiations with Cuba, with Trump jokingly suggesting that Rubio could resolve the political situation there "in an hour."