Trump Calls for Oil and Funding Cut from Venezuela to Cuba

On Sunday, President Trump urged a halt to financial and oil support from Venezuela to Cuba, suggesting that Havana should “reach an agreement before it’s too late.”

“For years, Cuba has relied heavily on Venezuelan oil and funds. In exchange, Cuba has provided ‘security services’ to Venezuela’s last two dictators, but that’s about it!” Trump expressed on Truth Social.

He added, “Venezuela no longer requires protection from the criminals who have held them hostage for so long. They currently have the most powerful military in the world, the United States, protecting them, and we want to ensure their safety as well.”

He emphasized, “There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba. We strongly advise them to reach an agreement before it’s too late.”

Interestingly, Trump didn’t clarify what specific kind of deal he had in mind between the U.S. and Cuba, a nation that has been a rival for decades.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded defiantly, stating, “No one dictates our actions.” He conveyed that Cuba is a “free, independent, and sovereign nation,” and reiterated, “Cuba won’t start any aggression. We’ve faced U.S. attacks for 66 years, but we will stand ready to defend ourselves at any cost.”

Amid these tensions, Trump’s administration has asserted that Cuban security forces assisted Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro during a recent U.S. assault, adding more strain to the situation.

Previously, Venezuela was Cuba’s primary oil supplier, but Trump’s restrictions have largely cut off that flow. Currently, discussions are ongoing about a $2 billion deal where Venezuela might send up to 50 million barrels of oil to the U.S., with funds funneled into a monitored account. Trump disclosed this potential arrangement just last week.

Venezuela, despite having the largest proven oil reserves globally, faces challenges due to outdated extraction infrastructure. Last week, Trump engaged with oil executives to strategize on enhancing Venezuela’s oil production.

Senior officials have signaled the president’s keen interest in the situation with Cuba. Marco Rubio, a senior administration figure, suggested that if he were in the Cuban government, he’d feel at least a bit anxious following the developments around Maduro’s recent arrest.