Donald Trump floated the idea of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba while speaking to reporters as he departed the White House for a speech in Corpus Christi, Texas, before heading to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend.
Addressing questions about U.S. Cuba relations, Trump claimed that officials in Havana are in discussions with Washington and suggested the island’s government is facing severe financial strain. He said Cuba is struggling economically and hinted that the situation could open the door to what he described as a possible “friendly takeover.”
His remarks followed a deadly confrontation earlier in the week involving the Cuban coast guard and a boat carrying U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and visa holders. According to reports, Cuban forces opened fire on the vessel, killing at least four people and injuring others. The incident has intensified already strained relations between the two countries, which are separated by roughly 100 miles across the Florida Straits.
Tensions have been building in recent weeks. Last month, Trump announced a fuel blockade aimed at increasing pressure on Cuba’s government, which depends heavily on imported energy and food supplies. Reports indicate that U.S. officials also met with a family member of former Cuban president Raúl Castro during a regional conference attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Media outlets have further reported that Cuba has enacted emergency measures in response to the U.S. fuel restrictions and may have only several weeks of fuel reserves remaining before facing widespread power outages.
