Trump suggests a ‘friendly takeover’ of Cuba amid US fuel blockade

In February 2026, President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba by the United States. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated that Cuba is in economic distress and seeking US assistance. He claimed Cuba has "no money, no oil, no food" and is a "failing nation." Trump mentioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the initiative. The US has been increasing pressure on Cuba, with strained relations and a trade embargo in place since the 1960s. Trump has been pushing for regime change on the island over the last two months, using economic and diplomatic pressure.

Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a "friendly takeover" of Cuba amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba. Trump stated that the Cuban government is in trouble and engaging in discussions with the US. These comments follow reports of US officials meeting with Raúl Castro's grandson and increased pressure on Cuba after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The US has been tightening its grip on Cuba by imposing an oil blockade on the island, strangling what was left of the island’s already parlous economy. Trump alluded to the Cuban exile community in the US, suggesting a takeover of the island could be “something good ... very positive” for them. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has previously stated that any discussions must respect Cuba's sovereignty and independence.

Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis marked by widespread blackouts and shortages of essential goods, threatening the stability of the Cuban Revolution. The situation has worsened since the coronavirus pandemic and the disruption of oil supplies from Venezuela. Many Cubans are experiencing poverty reminiscent of the pre-revolution era, struggling to obtain food and fuel for cooking. The US government's increased control over Venezuela's oil industry has significantly reduced crude oil shipments to Cuba. As a result, families are resorting to using firewood for cooking and facing daily struggles to secure basic necessities. This economic hardship is causing widespread discontent and raising questions about the revolution's ability to provide for its citizens.

On January 4, 2026, President Trump suggested the U.S. could take action against more countries following its raid in Venezuela. Speaking on Air Force One, Trump threatened Colombia, accusing its president, Gustavo Petro, of drug trafficking and criticizing his leadership. He also stated that Cuba was "ready to fall" due to the loss of Venezuelan oil revenue, implying potential instability. Trump further mentioned possible action against Mexico regarding drug flow and warned Iran against violence towards protestors. He also reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland. These statements followed questions about the U.S. raid in Caracas that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

On January 5, 2026, Cuba announced two days of mourning for 32 Cuban "fighters" killed during a U.S. military operation in Caracas, Venezuela. According to the state-run Prensa Latina agency, the Cubans were killed while assisting the Venezuelan military at the request of the Venezuelan government, either in direct combat or during bombings. The U.S. operation involved the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who were flown to New York to face drug-related charges. Venezuelan Minister of Defence General Vladimir Padrino stated that the U.S. attack resulted in the deaths of soldiers, civilians, and Maduro's security detail. U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Cuban deaths during the raids, stating there were no U.S. casualties.