President Donald Trump said Friday that the United States could potentially pursue what he described as a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, as his administration continues to increase pressure on the island’s government through a recently imposed fuel blockade.
“The Cuban government is talking with us. They’re in a big deal of trouble, as you know. They have no money, no anything right now,” Trump told reporters. “Maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba. We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba.”
The comments follow an executive order signed in late January that introduced a fuel blockade targeting the Cuban government, which depends heavily on imported energy and food supplies.
Humanitarian Concerns
Earlier this week, a senior official from the United Nations warned that daily life in Cuba is “becoming fragile,” citing mounting strain on health care systems, water access, and food distribution networks as a result of worsening shortages.
Cuban authorities have reportedly implemented emergency measures to manage the fuel shortfall and are believed to have enough reserves to last between six and seven weeks before risking widespread blackouts.
Diplomatic Contacts
Amid the rising tensions, U.S. officials reportedly held discussions Thursday with Raúl Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, grandson of former Cuban president Raúl Castro. The meeting took place on the sidelines of a Caribbean conference attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Rodriguez Castro, who serves as his grandfather’s bodyguard, is believed to oversee GAESA, a military-linked conglomerate that controls significant portions of Cuba’s economy. According to reporting by the Miami Herald, GAESA held approximately $18 billion in assets in 2024, though details about associated bank accounts remain unclear.
Recent Maritime Incident
Trump’s remarks also come shortly after a deadly confrontation Wednesday involving the Cuban coast guard and a vessel carrying U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and visa holders. At least four people were killed in the incident, while others were wounded, detained, and accused by Cuban authorities of “terrorism.”
Following the clash, both Washington and Havana issued statements aimed at easing tensions, noting cooperation in reviewing what Cuban officials described as “regrettable events.”
