Trump Pressures Cuba to Negotiate Amid Venezuelan Oil Crisis

Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Cuba, insisting that the Communist-run island must “make a deal” or face serious consequences as it navigates a precarious economic landscape following a major political upheaval in Venezuela. The US President’s comments came in the wake of Nicolás Maduro‘s ousting, a situation that has left Cuba, heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil, in a vulnerable position.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” He urged Cuba to negotiate a deal “BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” although he did not elaborate on what such a deal would entail. This warning arrives as shipping data indicates that no oil has been exported from Venezuela to Cuba since Maduro’s capture by US forces last week.

Cuba, which has traditionally depended on Venezuela as its largest oil supplier, is bracing for potential unrest due to this sudden halt in oil shipments. The economic crisis on the island has intensified, leading Trump to assert that Cuba would struggle to sustain itself without the influx of cheap oil from Venezuela. He remarked that the nation “is ready to fall,” highlighting the dire economic conditions it faces.

In the aftermath of last week’s military operation that resulted in numerous casualties among Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel, Trump emphasized that the situation on the island would become increasingly difficult. He also suggested that Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State and son of Cuban immigrants, could assume the presidency of Cuba, stating, “Sounds good to me!”

Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, responded to Trump’s declarations by asserting that Cuba has never been compensated for the security services it provided to Venezuela. He accused the US of acting in a “criminal” manner and reiterated that Cuba has the right to import fuel from any nation.

Republican lawmakers have largely supported Trump’s tough stance. Mario Díaz-Balart, a congressman from Florida, remarked that the regime in Havana is nearing its end after “decades of misery, tragedy, and pain.” This sentiment reflects a broader bipartisan frustration with the Cuban government and its alliances.

As geopolitical tensions rise, the US is reportedly negotiating a $2 billion deal with Venezuela to supply as much as 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. Proceeds from this arrangement would be deposited into accounts supervised by the US Treasury, a move that may test the evolving relationship between Washington and Venezuela’s interim leadership.

On the ground in Venezuela, the situation remains precarious. The US State Department issued a security alert urging American citizens to leave the country immediately, citing reports of armed militias attempting to identify US nationals. The warning pointed to the presence of pro-regime groups, known as colectivos, setting up roadblocks and searching vehicles.

Despite the chaos, the Venezuelan foreign ministry dismissed the US alert as “fabricated accounts,” asserting that the country is stable and secure. They claimed, “Venezuela is in absolute calm, peace, and stability,” emphasizing that all communication routes and security measures are functioning normally.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Trump expressed a desire to visit Venezuela, suggesting that he believes safety will eventually return to the South American nation. He noted, “I think at some point it’ll be safe,” but the ongoing unrest and military actions highlight the volatility of the region.

As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcomes in both Cuba and Venezuela could have far-reaching implications for US foreign policy and regional stability.