The President of the United States, Donald Trump, described Cuba as "a failed nation" and stated that the country "will not survive," during a press exchange this Thursday in Washington.
In response to a journalist's question about whether he was trying to "suffocate" the island with the new measures announced by his administration, Trump replied:
"I don't know. The word 'suffocate' is very harsh. Cuba is a failed nation. And one has to feel bad for Cuba. The people have been treated very poorly. We have many Cuban Americans who were treated terribly, and they would probably like to return."
The leader added: "No, I'm not trying to do it, but it seems like something that simply won't be able to survive. I think Cuba will not be able to survive."
Trump's statements come after signing an executive order declaring a national emergency, stating that the policies and actions of the Government of Cuba pose "an unusual and extraordinary threat" to the security and foreign policy of the United States.
The decree establishes a tariff system that allows for additional taxes on goods from countries that sell or supply oil to Cuba, either directly or indirectly.
The president stated that his administration has "no tolerance for the actions of the Cuban communist regime" and that the United States will act to "protect its national security and interests" while supporting the aspirations of the Cuban people for a free society.
Trump's words reinforce his administration's stance against the regime in Havana, amid the worst energy and economic crisis the island has faced in decades.
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