During a phone interview with Salem News Channel on May 4, former President Donald Trump declared that Cuba is in a state of "complete devastation" and expressed his desire to "liberate" the island, should the opportunity arise.
Trump indicated that any potential action concerning Cuba would be contingent upon the conclusion of military operations in Iran. He reiterated his plan to position the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln near Cuban shores as a form of pressure, stating, "Perhaps, after dealing with Iran, something could be done afterward, one after the other."
He elaborated on this strategy by saying, "We would position the Abraham Lincoln—it's the most impressive carrier I've seen—a few hundred yards from the coast and observe their reaction." This mirrors comments he made at a private dinner in West Palm Beach with the Forum Club.
The former president justified his stance by citing the electoral support from the Cuban-American community, claiming, "I received 94% of the Cuban vote in the United States, and frankly, I feel obliged to take action." However, this figure is not corroborated by exit polls or independent electoral sources; verified results from the November 2024 elections indicate he secured about 70% of the Cuban-American vote in Florida, a record for a Republican candidate but significantly lower than his claim.
Drawing parallels to Iran, Trump stated, "What they've done to the Cubans and their families living in the United States is unthinkable, very similar to what's happening with Iran."
His remarks follow recent statements about U.S. intentions to "take Cuba almost immediately" after concluding operations in Iran. On May 1, he signed a new executive order expanding sanctions against the dictatorship in sectors like energy, defense, mining, and finance, alongside secondary sanctions on foreign banks dealing with sanctioned Cuban entities.
Since January 2025, the administration has imposed over 240 sanctions and intercepted at least seven oil tankers bound for Cuba, drastically cutting energy imports by 80% to 90%, leading to power outages of over 24 hours in more than 55% of Cuban territory.
The Cuban regime has responded defiantly. Miguel Díaz-Canel tweeted that "no aggressor, however powerful, will find surrender in Cuba," while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla labeled Trump's rhetoric as "a new, clear, and direct military threat."
In legislative developments, the Senate on April 28 voted 51-47 against a resolution that would have required Trump to obtain Congressional authorization before initiating military action against Cuba, granting the administration substantial leeway.
The USS Abraham Lincoln is currently stationed in the northern Arabian Sea as part of Operation Epic Fury, a joint military campaign between the U.S. and Israel targeting Iranian military infrastructure, which began on February 28, 2026. Analysts suggest this situation might contribute to Trump's cautious approach regarding any moves toward Havana.
Understanding Trump's Cuba Policy and Its Implications
What are Trump's conditions for taking action on Cuba?
Trump has stated that any intervention in Cuba would depend on the completion of military operations in Iran, suggesting a sequence in his foreign policy approach.
How has the Cuban government reacted to Trump's statements?
The Cuban government has responded with defiance, asserting through statements by Miguel Díaz-Canel and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla that they will not succumb to external pressure.
What impact have U.S. sanctions had on Cuba?
The U.S. sanctions have significantly reduced Cuba's energy imports, causing widespread power outages and exacerbating the island's economic challenges.