Cuban activist to Trump: ‘Make Cuba great again’ by ending communist rule

Cuban activist Rosa María Payá is urging the U.S. to maintain pressure on Cuba's communist government amidst worsening blackouts, food shortages, and protests. Payá appealed to former President Trump, stating that Cuba needs an end to the communist dictatorship to become great again. Cuba is experiencing an energy and economic crisis, exacerbated by fuel shortages after the Trump administration curtailed oil shipments, particularly from Venezuela. Cuban officials blame U.S. sanctions for the country's economic difficulties and energy instability. The Trump administration has increased pressure on Cuba by tightening sanctions and targeting oil shipments to weaken the government and support democratic change.

In March 2026, US President Donald Trump threatened Cuba with a potential "friendly takeover" amid the island nation's energy and economic crisis. Trump stated that the US Department of State, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is focused on Cuba, suggesting the country is facing economic collapse and is ready to negotiate with Washington. The crisis in Cuba was triggered in January when the US halted fuel exports from Venezuela, a key ally and oil source for Cuba. While Trump claims Cuba is ready to make a deal with the US, Cuba has denied reports of high-level talks but has not outright denied informal talks. The US threat comes as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its second week.