Donald Trump described Cuba as "a beautiful island" and highlighted its tourism potential, climate, and landscapes, in statements where he simultaneously referred to the country as a "failed nation." He asserted that "they are speaking to them" from the Island and even claimed that he believes he would have "the honor of taking Cuba."
From the White House, the president combines praise for the country's natural conditions with harsh criticism of the Cuban regime.
Trump referred to Cuba when answering a question about what the next course of action for the United States might be. Although he avoided giving a direct answer in those terms, he made it clear that, in his opinion, Havana maintains some form of communication with Washington.
"I can tell you that they are talking to us. It's a failed nation," he stated.
In describing the situation in Cuba, he stated that the country lacks fundamental resources. “They have no money, they have no oil, they have nothing,” he said.
However, he immediately countered that deficiency with a positive appraisal of its geographic and natural attributes. “They have good soil. They have a beautiful landscape. It is a lovely island,” he stated.
Trump expanded on that idea by noting that Cuba, "in its own way, in terms of tourism and everything else," has very favorable conditions.
He added that the weather is "wonderful" and pointed out as an advantage that, according to him, the Island is not in a hurricane zone, a comment he made sarcastically by suggesting that this way there would be no need to constantly ask for help due to those phenomena.
A good part of his words also revolved around the Cuban community that has emigrated to the United States. He mentioned having met many people from Cuba who "were not treated well" in their home country and then thrived in the United States. "They are here and have become wealthy. They are very enterprising people. Very smart," he affirmed.
To illustrate that idea, Trump mentioned several well-known individuals of Cuban descent.
The president stated that many Cubans have a desire to return, and it is not isolated. "Many Cubans said, Oh my God, would they like to come back?" he remarked, referring to members of the exile community who, according to him, maintain an emotional connection with the Island.
That argument served to reinforce the notion that Cuba, despite its current decline, retains an evident appeal due to its natural conditions and its symbolic significance in the history of its relationship with the United States.
"Cuba will see the end, it says."
In the most striking segment, Trump went beyond landscape praise and references to the diaspora.
"I believe Cuba will see the end," he affirmed, before adding: "My whole life I have been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? But I believe I will have the honor of taking Cuba."
Later, when asked again, he insisted: “Take Cuba. In some way, yes.”
He even concluded that line by saying: “I mean, if I release it, I’ll take it. I think I can do whatever I want with it.”
Trump concluded that assessment with a new condemnation of Castroism.
He said that Cuba is "a nation very affected at this moment" and that it has been "for a long time."
He also described Fidel Castro and his brothers as "very violent" leaders, "extremely violent," and maintained that they governed "with violence."
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