President Donald Trump says the United States has begun initial conversations with Cuba, even as his administration tightens economic pressure on the island by cutting off key oil supplies and targeting countries that continue to fuel Havana.
Speaking to reporters Saturday night aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump said the strategy is already pushing Cuba toward negotiations.
Sanctions and Oil Cuts Turn Up the Heat
In recent weeks, the Trump administration has moved aggressively to restrict Cuba’s access to oil, first cutting off supplies from Venezuela and later targeting shipments from Mexico. Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.
The move has put Mexico in the spotlight, as Cuba became increasingly dependent on Mexican oil after Venezuelan supplies were halted following the capture of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the policy could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Cuba and said her government would look for alternative ways to continue providing assistance.
Trump Says Talks Are Beginning
Trump dismissed concerns about a humanitarian fallout, suggesting Cuba could avoid further hardship by engaging directly with Washington.
“It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” Trump said. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
While he did not provide details on when talks began or how extensive they are, Trump said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
He also claimed the Cuban government is on the brink of collapse, predicting the pressure campaign will force meaningful concessions.
Unclear Endgame, Optimistic Tone
The administration’s ultimate goals with Cuba remain unclear, but Trump has increasingly focused on the island as part of a broader push against governments viewed as adversaries of the United States.
Trump suggested a deal could lead to dramatic change, saying such an agreement would mean “Cuba would be free again.” He added that if negotiations move forward, the US approach would be generous.
“I think, you know, we’ll be kind,” he said.
