On Sunday, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Cuba, suggesting he would halt oil and financial supplies to the nation unless an agreement is made with the U.S. This message comes as Cuba, under the leadership of communist President Miguel Díaz-Canel, has openly aligned itself with Nicolás Maduro, the ousted socialist leader of Venezuela, who was captured on January 3.
Maduro’s removal, which included his subsequent indictment, has led to tensions, with Trump characterizing the detention as a form of “criminal assault” and “state terrorism.” In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “No oil, no money going to Cuba! I strongly suggest a deal before it’s too late.”
Trump emphasized that Cuba has depended on Venezuelan oil and funds for years in exchange for providing security services to both Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez. He seemed to imply that the recent U.S. intervention means Venezuela no longer needs Cuban support, claiming, “Venezuela now has the most powerful military in the world, the United States of America, to protect them.”
Cuban officials, meanwhile, have reported that a U.S. military operation that led to Maduro’s capture resulted in the deaths of 32 civilians, including military personnel. They have not revealed exact casualties from their side. Although Trump called for a deal, he did not clarify what such an agreement might entail or how Cuba would maintain compliance.
Responses from U.S. politicians have been supportive of Trump’s stance. Florida Republican Representative Carlos Gimenez, who fled Cuba as a child, expressed gratitude, stating: “First Venezuela, then Cuba. We will be forever grateful.” He emphasized the need for freedom in the hemisphere.
Similarly, Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar remarked on Trump’s assertion, noting that Cuba has historically survived by supporting oppressive regimes. She warned Díaz-Canel to observe the fate of Maduro, implying that tyranny has its limits.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the situation, suggesting that Cuba had played a colonial role in Venezuela’s security landscape. He indicated that if he were part of the Cuban government, he would feel some concern given the current geopolitical shifts.
Since taking office in 2019, Díaz-Canel has been the first president of Cuba not from the Castro family, and he continues to lead a country facing significant scrutiny from the U.S.
