Donald Trump has turned his attention to Cuba, urging the country to negotiate with the US “before it’s too late.” The US president has cautioned Cuba that the flow of oil and money from Venezuela, its key ally and primary oil provider, will cease. Venezuela reportedly sends approximately 35,000 barrels of oil daily to Cuba. Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a raid on Caracas, Trump has pushed for the redirection of Venezuelan oil to the US.
In a message shared on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Cuba benefited from significant oil and financial support from Venezuela for many years. In return, Cuba offered ‘Security Services’ to the last two Venezuelan dictators. However, this support will no longer continue! There will be no more oil or financial aid sent to Cuba – none! I strongly advise them to reach a deal before it’s too late.”
No specifics have been disclosed regarding the type of agreement Trump is seeking from Cuba or the potential consequences the country might face. Cuba has historically provided personnel to Venezuela, including medical professionals, military advisors, and members of Maduro’s security team. The Cuban government confirmed that 32 nationals, serving as Maduro’s bodyguards, were killed during the raid, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel praising them as courageous individuals who confronted the assailants.
Trump further commented on Truth Social, “Most of those Cubans have perished in the recent US attack, and Venezuela no longer requires protection from the criminals and oppressors who kept them captive for years. The United States, boasting the most powerful military globally, is now protecting Venezuela, and we will continue to do so.”
The Cuban government has yet to respond to Trump’s latest warnings. While US intelligence reports have painted a grim picture of Cuba’s economic and political situation, sources familiar with confidential assessments stated to Reuters that there is scant evidence supporting Trump’s assertion that Cuba is on the brink of collapse following Maduro’s capture.