President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric on Cuba this week, declaring he believes he will have the ‘honor’ of ‘taking Cuba in some form’ as the communist-led island grapples with its worst nationwide power blackout in years and a deepening economic collapse.
Speaking to reporters Monday during an Oval Office signing ceremony, Trump described Cuba as a ‘very weakened nation’ and a ‘failed nation’ stripped of resources after US pressure cut off Venezuelan oil supplies following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. ‘I do believe I’ll be having the honor of taking Cuba. That’d be good. That’s a big honor,’ Mr. Trump said.
The US President continued: ‘Taking Cuba in some form, whether I free it, take it, I think I could do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth? They’re a very weakened nation right now.’
The remarks came on the same day Cuba suffered a total collapse of its electricity grid – the first island-wide blackout since the US effectively imposed an oil blockade earlier this year. President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have repeatedly signaled that ‘we’ll be doing something with Cuba very soon,’ framing the situation as an opportunity for a potential ‘friendly takeover’ or leadership change in Havana.
Administration officials have confirmed sensitive negotiations are underway with Cuban representatives. Mr. Trump has said Cuba ‘wants to make a deal so badly’ and that the US is holding the island ‘hostage’ until it complies.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly acknowledged the talks last week, marking the first confirmation of direct engagement since Mr. Trump returned to office. The US President’s comments reflect a sharp hardening of US policy toward Cuba, building on executive actions issued in January that declared the island an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ to American national security.
The timing aligns with Trump’s broader regional approach following operations in Venezuela and ongoing actions against Iran, with Cuba now described by some aides as the next priority for regime pressure. Cuba’s government has pushed back, blaming the energy crisis on US sanctions and accusing Washington of economic warfare.
Meanwhile, protests have grown in several cities amid fuel shortages and rolling blackouts that have left millions without power for days.
The White House has not detailed what ‘taking Cuba’ would entail, whether diplomatic, economic, or otherwise, but Mr. Trump has repeatedly emphasized that ‘they have nice land… a beautiful island’ and suggested many Cubans in exile would welcome change.
No immediate military moves have been announced, and US State Department officials say talks remain focused on a negotiated outcome. However, the president’s language has drawn international attention, with observers watching closely for any follow-up actions as Cuba’s crisis worsens.The situation continues to evolve rapidly, with Trump aides indicating further statements could come in the coming days as negotiations progress.