On Thursday, former President Donald Trump once again described Cuba as a "failed state" in statements released through the official White House account, Rapid Response 47. He assured that the United States intends to assist the island by creating opportunities for Cuban-Americans to return and invest in it.
"Cuba, look, it's a failed state. Everyone knows it. They have no electricity, no money, really nothing. They lack food. And we are going to help them," Trump declared in his remarks.
The former president praised the Cuban-American community — primarily based in Miami and Florida — as "a great group of people, incredible, industrious, great Americans" who have been waiting decades for this chance.
"They want to return to their country. They want to help their country. I hope they stay here, but they want to go back. They want to invest in their country," Trump stated, adding that his goal is to "open it up for Cuban-Americans to return and assist."
Trump also claimed historical credit as the president who will finally solve the Cuban issue: "Other presidents have been looking at this for 50, 60 years trying to do something, and it seems I will be the one to do it."
That same Thursday, Trump announced that there would be "announcements soon" regarding the embargo on Cuba, indicating that the administration is preparing new moves in its policy toward Havana.
These statements come amid intense diplomatic activity. On the previous Wednesday, Trump mentioned that "we have the CIA there, Marco there" referring to Cuba, and noted that the regime "will have to come to us."
The recent turning point was the visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Havana on May 14, marking the highest-level contact between both governments on Cuban soil since 2016. He conveyed Washington's willingness to engage in dialogue conditioned on "fundamental changes."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered $100 million in food and medicine to Cuba on Wednesday, with the condition that distribution occurs outside the military conglomerate GAESA.
The backdrop to these statements is Cuba's worst energy crisis in decades: power outages lasting up to 20 hours a day and a critical fuel shortage, a situation acknowledged by Cuba's own energy minister on May 14, admitting that the island is out of oil and diesel.
Since his return to the White House in January 2026, the Trump administration has imposed over 240 new sanctions against Cuba, reinstated the island on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, and signed two executive orders declaring a national emergency and establishing secondary sanctions against foreign financial entities operating with the regime.
The regime led by Díaz-Canel admitted on Wednesday a willingness to negotiate, although it conditions any progress on lifting the embargo—a stance that clashes with Washington's demand for "fundamental changes" before any opening.
U.S. Policy Toward Cuba: Key Questions Answered
What did Trump say about Cuba being a failed state?
Trump described Cuba as lacking electricity, money, and food, labeling it a "failed state" and pledged U.S. assistance.
What actions has the Trump administration taken against Cuba?
Since January 2026, over 240 new sanctions have been imposed on Cuba, along with its reinstatement on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, and the signing of executive orders imposing secondary sanctions.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing severe power outages up to 20 hours a day and a critical shortage of fuel, as acknowledged by its energy minister.
What conditions has the U.S. set for dialogue with Cuba?
The U.S. has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Cuba, contingent upon "fundamental changes" within the Cuban regime.