Donald Trump stated this Friday that Cuba "is in very poor condition" and will no longer receive income related to Venezuelan oil, in the context of a reconfiguration of the oil industry in that nation led by the United States.
"Cuba is in a dire situation. Cuba relied on Venezuela for oil and for money... They are doing very poorly — completely Third World... now, they will not receive any money," the leader noted during a meeting at the White House with executives from major energy companies, convened to discuss the reconstruction of the Venezuelan oil industry and Washington's role as an intermediary.
Marco Rubio was more direct in conveying the political message: “The people who control Cuba have a choice: they can have a real country, with a real economy where their people can thrive, or continue with their failed dictatorship.”
Both statements connect economic pressure with an explicit demand for a change in the model, without diplomatic nuances.
The immediate backdrop is Trump's announced decision that the United States will determine which oil companies will be allowed to operate in Venezuela and will negotiate directly with Washington, not with the Venezuelan government.
The leader promised "total security" to the companies and made it clear that the relationship will be focused on stability, security, and reducing oil prices for American consumers, emphasized a report from the Infobae portal.
Sanctioned since 2019 and holding nearly one fifth of global reserves, Venezuela produced about 1% of global oil in 2024, according to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), after years of underinvestment and U.S. sanctions.
However, the Republican administration is promoting a selective flexibilization under U.S. control as part of the new phase that began after the detention of Nicolás Maduro and his wife on January 3 during a U.S. military operation.
According to the head of the White House, the goal is to stabilize Venezuela and ensure that oil revenues are managed for the benefit of the Venezuelan population.
Trump has insisted that his administration will be "in charge of the oil" from Venezuela, following the announcement that crude oil exports from the South American nation could reach up to 50 million barrels, equivalent to about 2 billion dollars.
In this context, Cuba emerges as a declared collateral damage, as the island is portrayed as reliant on an external support that Washington seeks to manage and condition.
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