The President of the United States, Donald Trump, warned this Monday that Cuba is on the brink of economic and energy collapse and reiterated his call for the Havana government to reach an agreement with Washington before it is “too late”, amidst a crisis that has left the Island without oil or key financial resources.
During a press briefing aboard Air Force One, Trump noted that the absence of fuel — resulting from the end of Venezuela's oil support following U.S. intervention in that country — has left Cuba in a critical situation, where there are no basic resources to sustain normal operations, to the extent that “they have no fuel for their planes to take off.” This scarcity has restricted air transport, caused blackouts, and halted essential services.
Explicit warning from Trump
Trump emphasized that Cuba “should absolutely make a deal” with the United States, considering that the lack of energy and money poses a humanitarian threat to the population. He also indicated that his administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are in discussions with Cuban representatives as part of these diplomatic efforts, although he did not detail the terms of a possible agreement.
"The country is in such a bad situation that there is no oil, no money, nothing," Trump stated, alluding to the total blockade of energy supplies that previously came from Venezuela.
What would that "agreement" entail?
Although Trump did not publicly specify what the agreement he is seeking would entail, analysts suggest that it could include political, economic, or security conditions proposed by Washington, linked to pressure for regime change or deep reforms on the island, as part of a broader strategy referred to in media as the Cuban crisis of 2026.
Military action threat ruled out… for now
When asked whether, if an agreement is not reached, he would consider a military operation similar to the one carried out in Venezuela, Trump avoided answering directly but made a striking remark: “If I did, it wouldn’t be a very difficult operation, but I don’t think it’s necessary.” This conveys an implicit threat—though without committing to military action—as part of the pressure on Havana.
Cuba isolated and in humanitarian crisis
Trump's warning comes at a time when Cuba is facing a severe fuel shortage due to the cut in Venezuelan oil, which has exacerbated blackouts, water and food supply issues, as well as school closures and the suspension of international flights. The situation has been characterized as a humanitarian crisis by international organizations.
While some governments have offered aid in the form of food and medicine, they have not committed to the energy supply that Cuba needs most, highlighting the complexity of the crisis.
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