President Donald Trump expressed on Thursday his determination to tackle the situation in Cuba before his term in the White House concludes. He indicated he might consider a brief military operation against the island if deemed necessary, while once again emphasizing the pivotal role of Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his plans regarding the Cuban regime.
During a phone interview with Hugh Hewitt of Salem News Channel, Trump conveyed his intention to resolve the Cuban issue prior to leaving the presidency. He praised Rubio, describing him as a very capable and talented individual for handling this matter.
"I want to settle the Cuba situation before I leave. And we have someone very skilled and talented, from Cuba, named Marco," Trump stated, referring to the head of U.S. diplomacy.
When Hewitt brought up the family background of the Secretary of State, Trump responded, "Marco Rubio, his parents are from Cuba, as you probably know, and he would love to do it. So we are closely monitoring the situation."
The president described the worsening conditions in Cuba, labeling it once again as a failed state. "It's doing very poorly. It is, essentially, a failed nation, however you want to call it. It has failed, and we are observing it," he commented.
Trump reiterated his desire to take action concerning the island's situation, linking it to the Cubans who migrated to the United States after enduring the regime's repercussions. "I would like to do it. I won the Cuban vote in Florida with 94%, and I believe I am even more popular now. And, frankly, I would love to do it for those people, for the Cubans who came, who were treated very poorly and came to the United States," he declared.
The conversation's most notable moment came when Hewitt directly asked if Trump would consider using military force to act on Cuba, even through a week-long campaign. "I would... I would certainly consider it, yes," the president responded, without announcing a specific operation or detailing the circumstances under which he would authorize force.
Since taking office for a second term, Trump has repeatedly expressed his intent to drive changes in Cuba before his presidency ends. In January, he shared on Truth Social a prediction by conservative analyst Marc Thiessen, who claimed the president would visit a free Havana before leaving the White House.
On September 22, during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump predicted the fall of the Cuban regime and assured that his administration sought a fundamental change in the island's situation. During that appearance, he also attributed a direct role to Rubio in diplomatic contacts with Havana. "Marco Rubio is conducting negotiations and is deeply involved in the talks with Cuba. We'll see what happens," Trump stated then.
These new remarks from Trump come just days after the Secretary of State reiterated in Paris Washington's commitment to fostering a different future for Cuba. However, he warned that any transformation would require changes from the island's authorities. "Ultimately, our goal is for Cuba to have a better future. We will do everything we can to help it move towards that future, but, in the end, they will need to wake up and realize there is no future in the path they are on now," Rubio expressed on Monday during the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting.
Key Issues in U.S.-Cuba Relations
What is President Trump's stance on military action in Cuba?
President Trump has indicated he would consider a brief military operation against Cuba if necessary, although he has not committed to a specific plan or outlined the conditions that would prompt such action.
What role does Marco Rubio play in U.S.-Cuba policy?
Marco Rubio, as Secretary of State, is deeply involved in U.S.-Cuba relations, taking a direct role in negotiations and discussions with Havana about the future of the Cuban regime.
How has Trump previously expressed his intentions for Cuba?
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to implement significant changes in Cuba before his presidency ends, predicting the fall of the Cuban regime and advocating for a fundamental shift in the island's situation.