By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated provocative comments about Cuba’s future amid a deepening economic and energy crisis on the island, suggesting Washington could assert unprecedented influence over the country’s political trajectory.
Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump described Cuba as a weakened nation on the brink of collapse, saying he believed the United States would have “the honor of taking Cuba” and that he could “do anything I want with it.” The remarks came as Cuba grappled with widespread fuel shortages and a nationwide power blackout that has intensified public hardship.
“We think Cuba sees the end,” Trump said, portraying the Caribbean island as strategically vulnerable. When pressed for clarification on what he meant by “taking” Cuba, he indicated that U.S. involvement could take “some form,” without specifying whether that would be diplomatic, economic, or military in nature.
The comments represent a significant escalation in rhetoric from the U.S. president. They follow a series of controversial statements in recent weeks in which Trump suggested the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba — language that has alarmed foreign policy analysts and raised questions about Washington’s intentions.
Cuba’s economic crisis has been exacerbated by a U.S.‑imposed energy blockade that has effectively halted key fuel imports, particularly after Venezuela’s decline as a supplier. The shortage has strained the island’s aging electrical infrastructure, contributing to prolonged outages and intensifying public discontent.
The Trump administration has also reportedly conditioned progress in ongoing talks with Havana on the departure of Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel, a demand Havana has rejected. Cuban leaders have maintained that any engagement with Washington must respect the nation’s sovereignty and political system.
Cuba has confirmed that discussions with U.S. officials are underway, though the full content and objectives of those talks remain opaque. Officials in Havana have emphasized their desire for dialogue that addresses humanitarian and economic challenges without external interference.
The unfolding situation has generated concern among international observers, with implications for regional stability and longstanding U.S.–Cuba relations. Analysts note that any action beyond diplomacy would face significant legal and geopolitical constraints.
elamigo/xf
