US President Donald Trump has increased threats of a trade embargo against Cuba, signaling a potential escalation in U.S.-Cuba relations. This move follows a recent crisis averted over the future of Greenland, though uncertainty remains regarding both regions. After a controversial appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump returned to Washington, D.C., where he has established a so-called Board of Peace, which has faced rejection from several European nations concerned about the involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine.
The White House has suggested that, should negotiations fail, a complete trade embargo on Cuba could be implemented, severely impacting the island’s economy. According to reports, the Trump administration is contemplating a total blockade of oil supplies to Cuba, a communist regime located just off the U.S. coast. Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that the administration hopes this pressure could lead to significant political change within Cuba.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a descendant of Cuban immigrants, reportedly supports the initiative aimed at destabilizing the Cuban government. Although no final decision has been made, the administration is weighing its options carefully. Trump has publicly warned Cuba to “make a deal before it’s too late,” reflecting his administration’s aggressive stance.
In a recent post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump emphasized the geopolitical dynamics at play. He stated, “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of oil and money from Venezuela.” He further claimed that the U.S. military presence would protect Venezuelan interests, suggesting that Cuba is “ready to fall” without military intervention.
Cuba is currently facing severe economic challenges, exacerbated by the instability in Venezuela, where the government has struggled since the arrest of Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. While some administration officials advocate for the embargo strategy, others express concerns about the humanitarian impact on the Cuban population, which is already suffering from economic deprivation.
An anonymous source within the administration noted, “Energy is the chokehold to kill the regime,” indicating a strong commitment to undermining the Cuban government. The source suggested that Washington is resolute in its plans, stating that the strategy is “100 percent a 2026 event,” hinting at a long-term approach to U.S.-Cuba relations.
Cuba has remained a communist state since Fidel Castro overthrew the government in the 1950s, leading to decades of strained relations with the United States. This tension peaked during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, which brought the two nations to the brink of conflict.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely watching for further actions from the Trump administration regarding Cuba, reflecting the complex interplay of diplomacy, trade, and long-standing ideological divides.
