President Trump has openly stated his administration is still focused on a government overthrow in Cuba, even as the US-Israeli war on Iran continues into its second week, as reported by Al Jazeera. He’s even suggesting the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of the island nation.
The president told reporters in Florida that the US Department of State is still very much focused on Cuba. He mentioned that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is actively “dealing” with the situation there. Trump remarked that the White House’s plans might include “a friendly takeover” or perhaps something less friendly. He added that it “wouldn’t really matter” because Cuba is essentially “down to fumes,” lacking both energy and money. He feels they are going to either “make a deal” or the US will “do it just as easy, anyway.”
Cuba has been grappling with an intense energy crisis since January. This all kicked off when US forces abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and subsequently halted fuel exports from Caracas to Havana. This move was a huge blow, cutting Cuba off from one of its few allies and a critical source of oil for its struggling economy.
Officials from the White House have been suggesting that Cuba is on the brink of economic collapse and that its government is ready to negotiate with Washington
President Trump himself has said on multiple occasions that Cuba’s government is set to “fall” and that its leaders are eager to “make a deal” with the US. It seems like the administration is really pushing this narrative.
However, Cuba isn’t completely on board with the US version of events. The Cuban government has denied reports of high-level talks taking place. Interestingly, they haven’t “outright” denied reports of “informal talks” between US officials and Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, who is the grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro. It leaves you wondering what exactly is going on behind the scenes.
Cuba has, of course, been in the crosshairs of the US for decades, but what we’re seeing now is a bit different. President Trump is the first US president since the Cold War to openly discuss and actively pursue a government change in Havana.
These attacks on Venezuela and Cuba align perfectly with President Trump’s revival of the “Monroe Doctrine.” This is a 19th-century policy that essentially states the Western Hemisphere should be solely under the influence of the US, with no other foreign powers having sway. It’s also worth remembering that Trump first floated the idea of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba back in February, so this isn’t a brand new concept for his administration.
Published: Mar 10, 2026 11:00 am