Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba urging its leaders to negotiate with Washington or face deepening economic isolation in comments that have heightened tensions between the two longtime adversaries.
In a statement posted on his social media platform over the weekend, Trump said Cuba should make a deal before it’s too late, warning that the island nation would no longer receive oil or financial support linked to Venezuela. He framed the message as a final opportunity for Havana to change course amid shifting political dynamics in the region.
“There will be no more oil or money going to Cuba, zero,” Trump wrote, adding that Cuban leaders should act quickly to avoid further economic hardship.
Cuba has for years relied heavily on subsidised oil shipments from Venezuela, a lifeline that has supported electricity generation, transport and other critical sectors. Analysts say Trump’s comments are tied to recent developments in Venezuela where the removal of President Nicolas Maduro has disrupted long standing energy arrangements between Caracas and Havana.
With Venezuelan support now uncertain, Washington appears to be increasing pressure on Cuba to re-engage with the United States on political and economic terms that Trump has not yet clearly outlined.
Cuban authorities also warned that any further restrictions on fuel supplies would worsen shortages already affecting households, hospitals and businesses.
While Trump’s remarks signal a tougher stance, he did not specify what kind of deal the United States expects from Cuba, leaving questions about whether the comments mark a negotiating opening or simply an escalation in rhetoric.
Observers note that US-Cuba relations have remained strained for years, with sanctions, migration disputes and human rights concerns dominating the agenda. Trump’s warning, however suggests a renewed attempt to leverage Cuba’s economic vulnerability at a time when its traditional allies are under pressure.
For now, Cuba appears unwilling to shift its position, setting the stage for further diplomatic friction between Havana and Washington in the weeks ahead.