President Donald Trump remarked on Monday that he believes he will have the “honor” of “claiming Cuba,” while signing an executive order at the White House.
“Whether I liberate it, seize it, I think I can do anything I wish with it,” Trump informed reporters in the Oval Office with Vice President JD Vance positioned behind him. “They are currently a significantly weakened nation.”
The president’s remarks regarding claiming Cuba arise as he engages in a conflict in Iran that is extending into its third week. Trump has motivated the Iranian populace to overthrow their government amidst that conflict, which is one of a series of justifications he has provided for initiating the war.
Trump recently implied he will shift his focus to Cuba once the U.S. accomplishes its objectives in Iran. He has threatened a “friendly acquisition” of the Caribbean nation, long considered an opponent of the U.S., except for a short period of reconciliation during Barack Obama’s presidency.
The threats against Cuba exemplify Trump’s more assertive foreign policy during his second term in office. Besides the conflict in Iran, Trump authorized a military mission that apprehended Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and has made recurrent efforts to acquire Greenland, the Arctic territory belonging to Denmark, which has consistently stated that Greenland is not on the market.
The White House has effectively imposed a blockade on Havana regarding Venezuelan oil following Maduro’s capture. This action has resulted in an energy and economic crisis in the island nation.
Cuba confirmed that it was in discussions with the Trump administration about a potential resolution last week. Trump also affirmed the ongoing talks on Monday.
“I can assure you that they’re negotiating with us; it’s a failed nation, they possess no oil, they lack everything,” Trump stated. “They do have beautiful land.”
