On Thursday, President Donald Trump articulated his administration's intent to "open Cuba to Cuban-Americans so they can return and assist," according to his remarks to NBC News. He also dismissed suggestions that the deployment of the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier to the Caribbean was meant to intimidate the Cuban government.
These comments were made when journalist Gabe Gutierrez directly questioned whether the Nimitz’s presence, having arrived in the Caribbean on Wednesday, signaled military pressure on Havana.
"No, not at all," Trump replied.
"Look, Cubans, it's a failed country. Everyone knows that. They lack electricity. They lack money. They really have nothing. They have no food. And we're going to help them," Trump emphasized.
The president elaborated that his primary motivation is the Cuban-American community, which he described as "an amazing, industrious group of people, just great Americans."
"They've wanted this to happen. They want to return to their country. They want to help their country. I hope they stay here, but they want to go back. They want to invest in their country and, you know, see if they can revive it," he asserted.
Trump also expressed confidence that he would be the one to bring historic change to the island: "Other presidents have looked at this for 50, 60 years doing something, and it looks like I will be the one to do it. So, I'd be happy to do it."
The Nimitz deployment is part of the Southern Seas 2026 operation, the eleventh iteration of the exercise since 2007, with planned stops in Brazil, Chile, Panama, and Jamaica. The strike group includes the USS Gridley destroyer and the USNS Patuxent replenishment ship.
These statements come amid heightened pressure from Washington on Havana. Since January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed over 240 sanctions against Cuba and intercepted at least seven oil tankers destined for the island. An executive order signed on May 1 further tightened economic restrictions.
The impact on the Cuban population is dire: sanctions have reportedly slashed energy imports by 80% to 90%, causing blackouts lasting up to 25 hours a day in more than 55% of the country.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations show mixed signals. April saw the first known face-to-face meeting between representatives of both governments, and in March, the Cuban regime announced it would allow emigrants to invest in the island's private sector. However, analysts argue these measures are insufficient under current laws.
Military tension has also escalated: on May 17, Axios reported that Cuba had acquired over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran, and on May 18, Politico revealed that the Southern Command had initiated planning exercises for potential contingency scenarios related to the island.
Trump had already hinted at his stance on May 12 via Truth Social, writing that "Cuba is asking for help and we're going to talk." On Thursday, he was more explicit about the role he envisions for the diaspora: "We want to open it to Cuban-Americans so they can return and help."
The Role of Cuban-Americans in Cuba's Future
What is President Trump's plan for Cuban-Americans regarding Cuba?
Trump plans to open Cuba to Cuban-Americans, allowing them to return and invest in their homeland to aid its revival.
Why was the USS Nimitz deployed to the Caribbean?
The USS Nimitz is part of the Southern Seas 2026 operation, with planned stops in several countries, and not intended to pressure Cuba militarily.
How have recent U.S. sanctions affected Cuba?
U.S. sanctions have severely impacted Cuba, reducing energy imports by up to 90% and causing extensive blackouts across the island.