Donald Trump Mentions ‘Friendly’ Cuba Takeover During Escalating Fuel Sanctions

Washington: On Friday, US President Donald Trump suggested a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, citing the country’s economic suffering and a petrol ban imposed by his government.

Donald Trump stated, “The Cuba government is communicating with us.

Trump told reporters ahead of a trip to Texas, “The Cuban administration is speaking with us. They are in big trouble. They do not have money. Right now, they have nothing. But they’re talking to us. We might end up with a friendly takeover of Cuba.”

At the end of January, Trump issued an executive order imposing a petroleum blockade on the island in order to weaken the dictatorship, which is highly reliant on imported oil and food, according to The Hill.

On February 6, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that his country is willing to negotiate with the US on any issue, but he firmly opposed coercive discussions.

Diaz-Canel declared to France 24 that “Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, on any topic… but without pressure or preconditions.”

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He emphasised that conversations should be conducted “from a position of equals, with respect for our sovereignty, independence, and self-determination,” and without “interference in our internal affairs.”

Trump has often claimed that conversations with Cuba are underway, which Cuban authorities have denied, and has warned the island to “make a deal” with Washington “BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” alleging that Cuba is “ready to fall.”

Trump has vowed to impede Cuba’s oil access, notably by limiting Venezuelan supply following the ouster of its leader last month in a US operation, and has threatened to impose sanctions on countries who support Havana.

The White House, through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, described Cuba as “on its last leg” and advised more careful language toward the US President, while emphasising that diplomacy remains available.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, has publicly expressed his support for regime change in Havana, as has Trump.