seniorspectrumnewspaper – Donald Trump warned Cuba to negotiate with Washington or face serious consequences after the United States moved to block Venezuelan support. The warning followed a dramatic United States operation in Caracas earlier this month that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife. Trump argued that Cuba has long depended on Venezuelan oil and financial assistance. He said that support would now end completely under United States policy, signaling a tougher approach toward Havana.
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Trump Threatens Cuba Over Venezuelan Oil and Security Ties
Trump delivered the warning through public statements and a post on his Truth Social platform. He said Cuba had survived for years on oil and money supplied by Venezuela. In return, he claimed Cuba provided security services to Venezuelan leadership. Trump stated that arrangement would no longer continue under his administration. He urged Cuban leaders to make a deal before facing consequences, although he did not define specific terms.
Venezuela has been a close political and economic ally of Cuba for decades. Analysts estimate Venezuela sends roughly 35,000 barrels of oil daily to Cuba. That supply supports electricity generation and transportation across the island. United States actions have already disrupted those shipments in recent weeks. The administration has seized multiple oil tankers carrying sanctioned Venezuelan crude.
On Friday, United States authorities seized a fifth tanker linked to Venezuelan exports. Officials said the cargo violated existing United States sanctions. Cuban officials say the seizures have intensified fuel shortages nationwide. Electricity outages have become more frequent as fuel supplies decline. The Cuban government blames Washington for worsening humanitarian conditions on the island.
Trump also referenced the raid that captured Maduro in early January. United States forces carried out the operation in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Maduro and his wife now face drug trafficking and other charges in American courts. Cuba has long provided personal security services to Maduro. Havana said 32 Cuban nationals died during the United States operation.
Trump claimed most Cuban personnel were killed during the raid. He said Venezuela no longer required Cuban protection. Trump added that the United States would now protect Venezuela. He described the American military as the most powerful in the world. Those remarks further escalated tensions with Cuba.
Cuba Rejects Pressure as US Focus Shifts Across Latin America
Cuban officials, however, quickly rejected Trump’s statements and demands. In response, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Cuba retained the right to import fuel freely. Moreover, he stressed that no country should interfere with Cuba’s commercial decisions. Rodriguez also criticized what he described as unilateral coercive measures by Washington. Finally, he added that Cuba does not submit to blackmail or military pressure.
Rodriguez also denied claims about financial compensation for security services. He said Cuba never received money or material benefits for such assistance. Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel also responded publicly on Sunday. He accused the United States of lacking moral authority. Diaz Canel defended Cuba’s sovereign political and economic choices.
The Trump administration has not announced direct military plans against Cuba. Trump previously said military intervention was unnecessary because Cuba was close to collapse. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the confrontational tone last week. Rubio said Cuban leaders should be deeply concerned about their future. His comments added to diplomatic tensions.
Trump also shared a social media post suggesting Rubio could someday lead Cuba. He endorsed the idea with a brief approving comment. Observers viewed the message as symbolic rather than policy driven. Trump increasingly frames regional policy through a revived Monroe Doctrine. He has rebranded that approach as the Donroe Doctrine.
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United States foreign policy has recently focused more on Latin America. Trump has targeted left wing governments with sanctions and threats. Officials justify these actions as efforts to combat drug trafficking. Trump has also criticized Mexico and Colombia over cartel activity. Regional leaders have rejected United States military involvement.
Relations between the United States and Cuba have remained strained since 1959. Fidel Castro overthrew a United States backed government that year. Diplomatic ties improved briefly under former President Barack Obama. Trump reversed many of those measures during his first term. He recently reinstated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
