US President Donald Trump issued a thinly veiled threat against Cuba during a speech at a Saudi-backed investment forum in Miami on Friday, declaring the Caribbean island nation would be his administration's next target while dismissing concerns about political fallout from recent military operations.
Speaking at the FII Priority investment forum, Trump referenced his administration's January military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, using it to justify potential future actions. The president's comments came as Cuba faces mounting pressure from his administration, including a de facto oil blockade imposed in January.
I built this great military. I said, "You'll never have to use it," but sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next, by the way. But pretend I didn't say that.
Donald Trump, US President — Dawn
Trump attempted to walk back his statement moments later, instructing media to disregard his comments before immediately repeating the threat to audience laughter. He provided no specifics about what actions his administration might take against the communist-governed island nation.
The president's remarks underscore his administration's broader strategy to tighten Washington's grip on Latin America during his second term. Relations between the US and Cuba, which had shown signs of improvement in recent years, have deteriorated significantly since Trump returned to office.
Dawn presents Trump's threats objectively while providing context about Cuba's domestic challenges. The outlet emphasizes the vague nature of Trump's comments and Cuba's defiant response to external pressure.
The New Arab maintains factual reporting on Trump's statements while highlighting the deteriorating US-Cuba relationship. The outlet contextualizes the threats within Trump's broader Latin American strategy.
RFI provides comprehensive coverage emphasizing Cuba's resistance stance and domestic energy crisis. The French outlet contextualizes the threats within the historical US embargo and recent diplomatic tensions.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded to mounting external pressure last week, vowing that any foreign aggressor would encounter fierce opposition. His defiant stance comes as Cuba grapples with severe domestic challenges, including two nationwide power outages within a single week that have highlighted the country's ongoing energy crisis.
Cuba is next
Donald Trump, US President — The New Arab
The island nation has endured a US trade embargo since shortly after Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution, creating decades of economic isolation. Cuban diplomats have indicated willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington but have firmly rejected any discussions about altering their political system.
Trump's speech also included provocative comments about other international matters, as he jokingly referred to the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump," further demonstrating his administration's assertive foreign policy approach.
The timing of Trump's threats coincides with humanitarian concerns, as two sailboats participating in an international convoy delivering medical supplies, food, solar panels, and other essential goods to Cuba were reported missing on Friday. The vessels' fate remains unknown as Cuba continues to face severe shortages of basic necessities.