Trump suggests possible 'friendly takeover' of Cuba amid fuel blockade and economic crisis
President Trump said the U.S. is in talks with Cuban authorities and raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover" as the island faces severe economic and energy shortages.
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President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States is in talks with Cuba's government and raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of the island, without providing specifics on what such an arrangement would entail.
Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for a trip to Texas, Trump described Cuba's economic situation as dire. "The Cuban government is talking with us. They're in a big deal of trouble, as you know. They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they're talking with us, and maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba," he said.
Trump added that the U.S. "could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba after many, many years." He characterized Cuba as "a failed nation" and said a transition would be "very positive for the people who were expelled or worse" from the island who now live in the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is conducting discussions with Cuban leaders "at a very high level," according to Trump. The president said he has heard about Cuba's problems since childhood and believes change is possible. "I've been hearing about Cuba since I'm a little boy, but they're in big trouble, and we could very well do something good — I think, very positive for the people that were expelled, or worse, from Cuba that live here," Trump said.
Trump's comments come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. The U.S. has imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba, contributing to severe energy shortages on the island. The statement also follows a Wednesday incident in which Cuban coast guard personnel opened fire on a speedboat registered in Florida, killing four occupants and wounding six others.
Cuban President Miguel DÃaz-Canel responded to the incident by stating that Cuba would defend itself "with determination and firmness" against "any terrorist and mercenary aggression" threatening its sovereignty and stability. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno RodrÃguez also addressed the confrontation on social media.
Trump's remarks represent a shift in U.S. approach toward the communist-run island, which has been among Washington's adversaries for decades. The White House did not respond to requests for additional information about the nature of the talks or what a "friendly takeover" would involve.
According to reports, U.S. officials met with Raúl Guillermo RodrÃguez Castro, grandson of 94-year-old Raúl Castro, on the sidelines of the Caribbean leaders summit Caricom as part of negotiations. The Trump administration has also authorized American companies to sell fuel to Cuba's private sector, a move aimed at increasing the island's economic dependence.