US President Donald Trump says Cuba is in its “last moments of life,” predicting major political change while addressing Latin American leaders in Florida.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday told several Latin American allies that Cuba is in its “last moments of life” and a “great change” is coming to the communist-ruled nation.
“I’ll take care of Cuba,” Trump told a dozen leaders at a Latin Americas summit in Florida that did not include officials from Havana.
“They have no money, they have no oil. They have a bad philosophy, they have a bad regime that’s been bad for a long time,” the US president said, adding, “Cuba’s in its last moments of life.”
On Thursday, at the White House, President Trump suggested that the return of American Cubans to their homeland is only a “question of time,” signalling that Cuba may be the next focus of his administration following the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The US pressure campaign has pushed Cuba to the brink, with President Trump and Republican lawmakers predicting the imminent collapse of the communist regime.
A widespread blackout across much of western Cuba on Wednesday highlighted the deepening energy crisis, worsened by a US fuel blockade that has restricted oil imports and worsened shortages.
According to The Hill, citing analysts, Cuba’s remaining fuel reserves could be exhausted by mid‑to‑late March, potentially bringing the island’s economy to a halt.
Trump has tasked Rubio with leading talks with Cuban officials and has even floated the idea of a “friendly” takeover of the island.
Cuban leaders are reportedly weighing options to ensure their survival, including possible economic reforms, cooperation on regional priorities, and scaling back ties with countries opposed by the US.
The United States and Cuba have had tense relations since 1959 when Fidel Castro took over the country and set up the one-party system. He also nationalised US interests in the country that would be worth around $11 billion today.
With inputs from agencies
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