On Tuesday, President Donald Trump, speaking from the East Wing renovation site at the White House, stated that the United States has the ability to resolve the Cuban situation irrespective of whether the regime undergoes changes. He expressed optimism about reaching a diplomatic agreement with Havana.
When a journalist inquired about the feasibility of such an agreement, Trump responded confidently, "With Cuba, I believe it's possible. Yes, I do."
Trump praised the Cuban-American community, referring to them as "incredible people" who have endured significant losses and hardships but have thrived in the United States.
"I am very, very willing to help them. I think I got 97% of that vote. I want to help them now. They have family in Cuba. They've been treated very, very badly," he stated.
In response to whether he could achieve this without regime change, Trump was unequivocal: "Well, I don't know about changing the regime. I can do it, whether the regime changes or not. You know, it's been a tough regime. They've killed a lot of people. But it's a country that really needs help. It has nothing. They can't turn on the lights. They can't eat. We don't want to see that."
These comments come amid a series of intense diplomatic maneuvers and pressure.
On May 14, CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana — marking the highest-level direct contact between the two nations on Cuban soil since 2016 — and conveyed to the regime that Cuba "can no longer serve as a platform for adversaries to advance hostile agendas in our hemisphere."
Following this visit, Trump posted on Truth Social, "Cuba is asking for help, and we're going to talk!" adding that the regime will need to "come to us."
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez acknowledged that a "process of exchanges" has begun with Washington, although the regime has set "red lines" and refuses to negotiate its sovereignty.
Despite this rhetorical opening, Politico reported on Monday that the Trump administration is considering military options against Cuba, ranging from targeted airstrikes to a ground invasion, following the failure of economic pressure. A White House official clarified that this planning "does not mean the President has made a decision."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed skepticism last week during an interview with Fox News, stating, "I don't think it's going to happen. I don't believe we can change Cuba's trajectory while these people are in charge."
The humanitarian crisis highlighted by Trump is indeed documented and severe.
In April, the United Nations warned that Cuba's energy crisis has a "systemic and increasingly severe" impact, revising its response plan to assist approximately 2 million people across 63 municipalities in eight provinces, following at least four major blackouts over four months, including a complete disconnection from the National Electric System on March 22.
Tomorrow, the Department of Justice is set to announce federal criminal charges against 94-year-old Raúl Castro for the 1996 shooting down of Brothers to the Rescue aircraft, a move that will increase pressure on the regime's leadership as Trump signals readiness to negotiate.
Understanding the Situation in Cuba
What did President Trump say about the possibility of a diplomatic agreement with Cuba?
President Trump expressed confidence that a diplomatic agreement with Cuba is possible, regardless of whether the regime changes.
How has the Cuban-American community been portrayed by President Trump?
Trump praised the Cuban-American community as "incredible people" who have endured hardships and loss but have succeeded in the United States.
What recent diplomatic actions have taken place between the United States and Cuba?
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana, marking the highest-level contact since 2016, and discussions of potential military options have been reported.