President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the Cuban regime is on the brink of collapse and the United States stands ready to offer assistance. "In a short time, it will fail, and we will be there to help," Trump stated when asked about his previous comments suggesting that "Cuba is next" on his administration's agenda.
This statement, made during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, reflects a shift in the president's rhetoric. Rather than discussing a takeover, Trump emphasized future support, all within a strategy of maximum pressure aimed at the regime's downfall without direct military intervention.
End of the Oil Embargo
The president also indicated that the oil embargo might be over. When asked if the U.S. would allow a tanker through, Trump replied straightforwardly, "If a country wants to send some oil to Cuba, I have no problem with that."
In response to concerns that this could benefit Putin, Trump dismissed them: "It doesn't help him. He loses one oil tanker. That's all it is. It doesn't bother me."
Trump defended this decision on humanitarian grounds: "I'd rather let it in, whether it's from Russia or any other country, because people need heating, cooling, and all the other things you need."
Cuban Regime's Future
Trump was unequivocal about Cuba's leadership: "Cuba is finished. They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership. Whether they get an oil tanker or not, it won't matter."
These comments are the latest in a series of statements made by Trump about Cuba throughout March 2026. Last Thursday, during the FII Priority Summit at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, Trump declared, "Cuba is next," adding with irony, "Please, pretend I didn't say that. Please, please, please, media, please ignore that statement. Thank you very much."
U.S. Pressure and Negotiations
On March 16, from the White House, Trump went further: "I think I will have the honor of taking Cuba," describing the island as a "failed nation" with no money or oil, but with "good land" and "beautiful landscapes."
The U.S. pressure is legally supported by Executive Order 14380, signed by Trump on January 29, 2026, which declared Cuba an extraordinary threat and imposed tariffs on countries supplying it with oil.
Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed on March 13 that Cuba is negotiating with the United States to address the energy crisis, and the regime released 51 political prisoners as a gesture. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the negotiations, which Trump claims are happening "at a very high level" and could conclude "in an hour."
Washington's plan, as revealed by Bloomberg, aims to make Cuba an economic protectorate without military invasion, offering a possible exit for Díaz-Canel and a role for the Castro family.
Opposition and Legislative Action
Meanwhile, the Democratic opposition in Congress introduced the "Prevent an Unconstitutional War in Cuba Act" last Thursday to block federal funds for military actions against Cuba without legislative approval.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz predicted in March that there would be government changes in Cuba within the next six months, while Representative Mario Díaz-Balart suggested the regime might not survive.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is the U.S. strategy towards Cuba according to Trump?
Trump's strategy involves applying maximum pressure on the Cuban regime to induce its collapse without direct military intervention, while positioning the U.S. to provide support post-collapse.
Has the U.S. lifted the oil embargo on Cuba?
President Trump indicated that the U.S. would no longer prevent countries from sending oil to Cuba, suggesting a shift in the embargo policy.
What legal measures has the U.S. taken against Cuba?
The U.S. has imposed tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba under Executive Order 14380, declaring Cuba an extraordinary threat.