US President Donald Trump on Sunday escalated pressure on Cuba, urging the island nation to “make a deal” quickly and warning that Washington would cut off all oil and financial support following the toppling of Havana’s key ally, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” He claimed that Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan support in exchange for providing security services to Maduro and his predecessor, but “not anymore,” citing a recent US raid that captured Maduro and his wife, leaving many Cuban security personnel dead.
Trump also suggested the United States now controls Venezuela through a naval blockade of its oil sector, though he provided few details on the potential “deal” with Cuba. Speaking later to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said the US would prioritize helping Cuban nationals in the country, but did not clarify how this would be achieved.
Cuba’s leadership swiftly rebuffed Trump’s threats. President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared, “Cuba is a free, independent, and sovereign nation. No one tells us what to do,” while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized that Havana has the right to import fuel from any willing exporter without interference from the United States.
The Trump administration has long maintained economic sanctions on Cuba, dating back to the Cold War-era embargo. Since 2000, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuelan oil, originally provided under agreements with former Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez.
Public reaction in Havana appeared largely dismissive. Retiree Mercedes Simon told AFP, “Trump is not going to touch Cuba. All the presidents talk, talk, talk, but they don’t act.” Meanwhile, 21-year-old restaurant worker Marcos Sanchez urged diplomacy over confrontation.
Trump’s remarks follow a series of provocative statements as he expands his foreign policy focus. Since the seizure of Maduro, he has hinted at potential actions against countries including Colombia, Mexico, Iran, and Greenland.
Some US lawmakers have praised Trump’s approach. Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart wrote on X, “The tyranny in Cuba will not survive the second term of President Trump, and Cuba will finally be free after decades of misery, tragedy, and pain.”
The exchange marks another sharp escalation in US-Cuba tensions, as Trump signals a willingness to enforce maximum pressure following the recent upheaval in Venezuela.
