On Monday, President Donald Trump, speaking from Air Force One, declared that the collapse of the current regime in Cuba is imminent, and when that happens, "we'll be there to help, to support our great Cuban-Americans."
His comments came in response to a journalist's inquiry about his recent statement suggesting that Cuba would be "next." Trump replied unequivocally, "Cuba will be next. It's a disaster, a failed state. It will fail very soon, and we'll be there to help, to assist our great Cuban-Americans."
The President further highlighted the historic struggles faced by the Cuban exile community: "We'll be there to help our great Cuban-Americans, who were forced out of Cuba; many had family members mutilated and killed by Castro."
Trump initially made the "Cuba is next" remark at the FII Priority Summit, held on March 28 at the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, where he boasted of U.S. military successes in Venezuela and Iran. At that event, he humorously requested the media to "pretend he hadn't said it."
This Monday, however, Trump left no room for doubt about his forecast: "Cuba is finished... whether or not they receive a shipment of oil, it won't matter."
The statement coincided with the administration's decision to allow the Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin, carrying 730,000 barrels of crude, to dock in Matanzas port. Trump justified this move on humanitarian grounds but insisted it would not alter the regime's fate, stating, "I have no problem, whether it's Russia or not."
Trump's remarks are part of an ongoing escalation of pressure on Havana that began on January 29, when he signed Executive Order 14380, declaring the Cuban government an extraordinary threat to national security and imposing tariffs on countries supplying it with oil.
This policy led to the suspension of oil shipments from Mexico and Venezuela, leaving the island without fuel for three months and triggering a severe energy crisis: blackouts affecting up to 64% of the country, generating deficits exceeding 2,040 MW, and a $94.1 million UN emergency plan to prevent loss of life.
On March 16, Trump had already expressed his stance from the White House, stating, "I would be honored to take Cuba if it manages to free itself," describing the Castros as "very violent leaders" who left the country without energy or money.
In Congress, Democrats Gregory Meeks and Pramila Jayapal introduced the "Law to Prevent an Unconstitutional War in Cuba" on March 26, aiming to block funding for any military action without legislative approval.
Meanwhile, in Hialeah, the Cuban exile community celebrated a rally under the slogan "Free Cuba," chanting "Cuba Next" in support of the President's stance.
Key Insights into U.S. Policy on Cuba
What did Trump mean by saying "Cuba will be next"?
Trump predicted the imminent failure of the Cuban regime, suggesting that the U.S. will support Cuban-Americans and assist in the aftermath.
Why did the U.S. allow a Russian oil tanker to dock in Cuba?
Trump justified the decision on humanitarian grounds, while maintaining that it wouldn't change the regime's ultimate fate.
How has the U.S. escalated pressure on Cuba?
The U.S. has increased pressure on Cuba through Executive Order 14380, declaring the regime a national security threat and imposing tariffs on oil suppliers.