In the wake of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s removal, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Cuba, urging its communist government to “make a deal” with the United States while there is still time. With Cuba now isolated from crucial Venezuelan oil shipments—severed by U.S. tanker seizures—Trump declared an end to all Venezuelan economic support for Havana. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel swiftly countered, condemning U.S. sanctions as the cause of Cuba’s deepening economic crisis and rejecting Trump’s pressure. The confrontation escalates tensions as Cuba grapples with blackouts, scarcity, and the loss of a key regional ally.
Major Points:
Following the ouster of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump warned Cuba’s government to seek an agreement with the U.S. "before it is too late."
Cuba, heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil, has been cut off from shipments due to U.S. seizures of oil tankers.
Trump declared an end to Venezuelan oil and financial support for Cuba, emphasizing U.S. military protection for Venezuela moving forward.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected Trump’s remarks, accusing the U.S. of having "no moral authority" and blaming U.S. sanctions for Cuba’s severe economic crisis.
The Cuban government reported 32 of its military personnel were killed during the U.S. operation that captured Maduro.
Trump and U.S. officials have escalated rhetoric toward Cuba, whose economy—already strained by blackouts and shortages—faces further collapse without Venezuelan support.
