The United States has begun tentative discussions with Cuba, President Donald Trump said over the weekend, even as his administration ramps up economic pressure on the communist-run island by tightening restrictions on oil supplies.
Speaking to reporters while flying to Florida on Saturday night, Trump offered few details but said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Pressure Campaign Targets Energy Supplies
Trump’s comments come after a series of moves aimed at squeezing Cuba’s access to oil. In recent weeks, the US cut off shipments from Venezuela following the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro and moved to block oil supplies coming from Mexico, which had become a key energy source for Havana.
This past week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. The measure has put particular pressure on Mexico, prompting concern from its president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who warned the policy could trigger a humanitarian crisis. Sheinbaum said Mexico would look for alternative ways to continue supporting Cuba.
Trump Predicts Deal — and Regime Change
Trump brushed aside concerns about humanitarian fallout, suggesting economic pressure would instead push Cuban leaders toward negotiations. “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
The president went further, predicting that Cuba’s government is nearing collapse. “So Cuba would be free again,” he added, signaling that regime change may be part of his broader vision, even if official goals have not been clearly outlined.
Trump said he expects some form of agreement to emerge and suggested the US approach would be flexible. “I think, you know, we’ll be kind,” he said.
Unclear Talks, Sharper US Stance
While Trump said discussions are beginning, he did not specify when contact with Cuban officials started or what level of engagement is underway. The renewed focus on Cuba follows a more aggressive US posture toward adversarial governments, including recent actions against Venezuela and other regional players.
For now, Washington’s strategy appears to rely on economic leverage to bring Havana to the table, even as the path and purpose of any potential talks remain uncertain.
