President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Cuba is witnessing "its final days" under the current political regime, but he expressed optimism that the nation could undergo significant change in the near future.
These remarks were made during his address at the Summit of the Americas Shield held in Miami, Florida. This event brought together leaders from several countries across the continent to discuss regional security, drug trafficking, and military cooperation.
During a portion of his speech focused on Latin America, Trump linked Cuba's crisis to the collapse of economic support previously provided by Venezuela. "Cuba is at the end of the line. They lack money. They lack oil. They have a flawed philosophy and a flawed regime," he stated to the assembled leaders.
The U.S. President reminded the audience that for years, the Cuban regime relied heavily on oil and resources sent from Caracas. However, he asserted that this relationship no longer sustains the island's system. "They used to receive money and oil from Venezuela. Now they have none of that," he pointed out.
Additionally, Trump mentioned that his administration is engaged in talks with Havana. "They want to negotiate, and they are negotiating with Marco [Rubio] and me," he said, referring to the U.S. Secretary of State.
According to Trump, reaching an agreement with Cuba would not be difficult. "I believe a deal with Cuba would be very easy," he remarked.
Trump also declared that the island's current political system is nearing its end. "Cuba is in its last moments as it exists today," he stated. However, he assured that the country's future could be different. "It will have a great new life," he added.
The President also noted that several leaders present at the summit urged him to address the Cuban situation, a reflection of the regional concern over the island's political, economic, and energy crisis.
Understanding the Summit of the Americas Shield and Its Goals
The Summit of the Americas Shield took place on Saturday at the Trump National Doral complex in Miami, Florida. It brought together the U.S. President and leaders from 12 Latin American and Caribbean nations.
This meeting marks the first multilateral forum with regional heads of state organized by President Trump's administration during his second term.
According to the White House, the event aims to strengthen hemispheric cooperation to promote "freedom, security, and prosperity" across the continent.
The summit's agenda centered on three main priorities: combating drug trafficking and criminal cartels, curbing irregular migration to the United States, and countering the growing influence of powers such as China, Russia, and Iran in the Western Hemisphere.
Among the participants were Presidents Javier Milei (Argentina), Nayib Bukele (El Salvador), Daniel Noboa (Ecuador), Santiago Peña (Paraguay), Rodrigo Chaves (Costa Rica), José Raúl Mulino (Panama), Xiomara Castro (Honduras), Luis Abinader (Dominican Republic), Mohamed Irfaan Ali (Guyana), and Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Chile's President-elect José Antonio Kast, who is set to take office on March 11, also attended.
From the United States, besides Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer participated.
The meeting is part of a new approach in Washington's regional diplomacy, focusing on security cooperation with governments considered strategic allies in the region.
Notable absences from the summit included Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, three of the United States' main trade partners in Latin America.
Key Questions about Cuba's Future and the Summit of the Americas Shield
What did Trump predict for Cuba's political future?
Trump predicted that Cuba is witnessing its final days under the current political system and could experience a significant transformation soon.
What is the main goal of the Summit of the Americas Shield?
The main goal of the Summit of the Americas Shield is to strengthen hemispheric cooperation to promote freedom, security, and prosperity across the continent.
Which countries were notably absent from the summit?
Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, three of the United States' main trade partners in Latin America, were notably absent from the summit.