Trump tells Cuba to ‘make a deal’ or face the consequences

Donald Trump has warned Cuba to "make a deal" or face unspecified consequences, following the US capture of Nicolás Maduro and a halt to Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. Trump stated that Cuba would receive "ZERO" oil or money from Venezuela, urging them to negotiate before it's "too late." He claimed Cuba previously relied on Venezuelan oil and money in exchange for security services, alleging many Cuban security personnel died in a recent US attack. Cuba's foreign minister refuted claims of compensation for security services and asserted Cuba's right to import fuel from any country, accusing the US of criminal behavior. The US and Venezuela are reportedly working on a $2 billion oil deal, signaling a potential shift in relations.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump declared that no more Venezuelan oil or money would go to Cuba, urging the island nation to strike a deal with the US. This announcement comes after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces and a strict US oil blockade on Venezuela, Cuba's primary oil supplier. Trump suggested Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan resources and should negotiate with the US before it's "too late." Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel rejected Trump's threats, asserting Cuba's sovereignty and right to defend itself. Cuban officials also defended Cuba's right to import fuel from any willing supplier and accused the US of acting as a criminal hegemon.

Donald Trump is pressuring Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, citing the end of Venezuelan oil and financial support. Trump stated that the U.S. will no longer allow oil or money to flow from Venezuela to Cuba, ending Cuba's provision of security services to Venezuelan leaders. This follows a U.S. raid in Venezuela that resulted in the deaths of 32 Cuban nationals who were providing security for Nicolás Maduro. Trump asserted that the U.S. will now protect Venezuela. While Cuba has not responded, President Díaz-Canel previously honored the deceased Cubans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested Cuba's leaders should be worried, and Trump reposted a message suggesting Rubio could become president of Cuba.

The United States State Department has urged American citizens to immediately leave Venezuela due to reports of armed pro-government militias, known as colectivos, searching for U.S. citizens and supporters. This alert follows the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. and subsequent unrest, including colectivos establishing roadblocks and checkpoints. While Maduro's successor has called for improved relations with the U.S., the State Department warns of a volatile situation with colectivos patrolling Caracas and increased security measures on major roads. The U.S. is advising its citizens to exercise extreme caution and take advantage of available international flights to depart the country. State Department officials visited Caracas on Friday to prepare for the potential reopening of the U.S. embassy.

In January 2026, US President Donald Trump indicated that the US role in Venezuela could last for years following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro by US special forces. Trump refrained from giving a specific timeline but suggested it would extend beyond a year. The US has asserted control over Venezuela, particularly its oil sales, despite claims from interim leader Delcy Rodriguez that no foreign power governs Caracas. Trump stated the US is working well with Rodriguez's government, while the Venezuelan interior minister reported that 100 people were killed during the US operation to abduct Maduro. Maduro was taken to New York to face drug and weapons charges.

Following Nicolas Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces and arraignment in a New York court, Delcy Rodriguez was sworn in as Venezuela's interim president on Monday. Maduro pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of drug trafficking and terrorism, insisting he was still the legitimate president and a "prisoner of war." The swearing-in ceremony in Venezuela's parliament included demands for Maduro's release. The U.S. defended its actions at the UN, citing Maduro's illegitimacy and the need to secure Venezuela's energy reserves. Venezuela's UN ambassador condemned the U.S. operation as an "illegitimate armed attack."

Following Nicolás Maduro's arrest by U.S. forces on drug trafficking charges, Venezuela has ordered a nationwide manhunt for individuals who supported the military operation that led to his capture. A state of emergency decree, issued Saturday and published Monday, directs police to immediately search for and arrest anyone involved in promoting or supporting the "armed attack by the United States." The decree did not specify the charges those arrested would face. Maduro made his first court appearance in New York on Monday after his arrest over the weekend. The situation follows a period of political crisis in Venezuela.

In January 2026, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was arraigned in a New York court after being abducted by U.S. special forces in Venezuela. Maduro pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including narcoterrorism, while claiming he is a "prisoner of war." He argued he is innocent and still the legitimate president of Venezuela. Other Venezuelan leaders initially echoed this position, but Maduro's deputy, Delcy Rodriguez, who has since taken over as interim president, offered to cooperate with the Trump administration. The Trump administration has framed the abduction as a law enforcement operation, while Maduro's defense is based on the rights afforded to prisoners of war. Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores, also pleaded not guilty as a codefendant.

After being apprehended in Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro was brought to New York City to face criminal charges of "narco-terrorism" in a US court. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the US actions were legally justified, accusing Maduro of enabling the transport of cocaine to the US. Maduro, who has long denied these allegations, pleaded not guilty. International law experts are questioning the legality of the Trump administration's actions, suggesting potential violations of international statutes governing the use of force. Despite the international concerns, the US maintains its actions were in accordance with US law, and the case proceeds domestically, though the method of Maduro's apprehension raises complex legal questions.

Nicolás Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan leader, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Monday, January 5, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to federal charges including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation. Maduro, who was captured in Caracas on Saturday by Army Delta Force commandos and transported to the U.S., claimed he was "kidnapped" and declared himself a "prisoner of war." Despite his protests, Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein only confirmed his identity. Maduro's lawyer indicated they may challenge the legality of the arrest and the U.S. government's refusal to recognize him as Venezuela's legitimate president. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were indicted, leaving Venezuela's future uncertain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated Maduro was a fugitive from American justice.

In January 2026, Donald Trump stated the United States is prepared to conduct a second military strike against Venezuela. This warning was issued if the Venezuelan government does not cooperate with Trump's plan to "resolve" the situation in the country. The statement follows the US abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The location of the potential second strike was not specified. The reason for the potential strike is to compel Venezuela to cooperate with the US plan.

According to Venezuelan officials, a U.S. military operation, "Operation Absolute Resolve," to capture President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, resulted in approximately 100 deaths. The operation, led by Delta Force, took place over the weekend. Venezuela's interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, reported Maduro sustained a leg injury and his wife, Cilia Flores, a head injury. Cuba claims 32 of its military personnel, who were in Venezuela at the request of the government, were also killed during the operation. A U.S. official stated that seven U.S. service members were injured, with five already returned to duty. Venezuela has declared a week of mourning for the deceased military members.

Satellite imagery reveals damage to Venezuela's largest military base, Fuerte Tiuna, following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro on Saturday. The images, released by Vantor, a space technology company, show that at least five buildings within the Caracas-based complex were destroyed. The damage also includes a gate and security building located in a wooded area near the compound. The imagery shows cargo containers and military vehicles near the destroyed buildings, but their contents are unknown. Fuerte Tiuna, built into a mountainside south of Caracas, is a military complex with fortifications and roads. The imagery provides visual evidence of the impact of the operation at the Venezuelan military base.

President Trump announced the U.S. will govern Venezuela until a transition can occur. On January 3rd, the U.S. launched strikes in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Trump stated the couple was apprehended at a fortified residence and will be transported to New York, with only minor U.S. injuries reported. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Maduro's indictment in New York on drug and weapons charges, stating he will be prosecuted in American courts. In response, Venezuela declared a national emergency, condemning what it described as "extremely serious military aggression" by the U.S.

Explosions were reported in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with the cause of the blasts currently unknown. The incident follows months of increasing pressure from the United States on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the U.S. government accuses of leading a "narco-terrorist" state and controlling drug trafficking groups. The U.S. military has increased its presence in the Caribbean since late August, engaging in operations against vessels allegedly involved in drug smuggling. These actions have resulted in numerous deaths and have been criticized as potential extrajudicial killings. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected.

In a phone interview with The New York Times on January 3, 2026, President Trump confirmed and celebrated the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump described the operation as "brilliant," citing "good planning" and "great troops." The interview occurred shortly after Trump announced the capture on social media. When asked if he had consulted Congress before the military action, Trump stated that they would discuss it later at a planned news conference. He declined to elaborate on the future of Venezuela or the justification for the mission, promising further details at the 11 a.m. press conference at Mar-a-Lago. The brief phone call lasted less than a minute.

On January 3, 2026, low-flying aircraft were observed over Caracas, Venezuela, while multiple explosions occurred throughout the city. The Venezuelan government has accused the United States of attacking civilian and military installations in several Venezuelan states. The specific targets of the alleged attacks and the extent of the damage remain unclear. The motive behind the purported attacks, according to the Venezuelan government, is to destabilize the country. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

On January 3, 2026, explosions and smoke were reported in Caracas, Venezuela. The events occurred amid heightened tensions between Venezuela and the United States. Power outages were also reported near a key military base in the capital city. There were also reports of low-flying aircraft over Caracas. Al Jazeera reported on the situation, with Lucia Newman providing details as they became available. The cause of the explosions and the extent of the damage remain unclear.