President Donald Trump said Monday that he could do “anything” he wants with Cuba, suggesting the United States could potentially take over the island nation and topple its communist government.
When asked about his plans, Trump said he believed he would “have the honor of taking Cuba” in “some form.” After capturing Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro and launching a military operation against Iran, Trump has said that Cuba could be the next focus of his administration.
“I mean whether I free it, take it, I could do anything I want with it,” Trump said during an event at the White House. “They are a very weakened nation right now. They were for a long time, very violent, very violent leaders. Castro was a very violent leader. His brother is a very violent leader. Extremely violent. That’s how they governed. They governed with violence, but a lot of people would like to go back.”
Trump, who has restricted oil shipments to Cuba through sanctions, said Cuban leaders are now in talks with U.S. officials.
“They’re talking to us. It’s a failed nation. They have no money, they have no oil, they have no nothing,” Trump said.
The New York Times reported Monday that American negotiators are pushing for Cuban President and Communist Party leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to be removed from power.
Earlier this month, Trump told CNN that Cuba was “going to fall pretty soon” and suggested sending Secretary of State Marco Rubio there.
In January 2026, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency related to Cuba and imposing tariffs on countries that trade or do business with the island.
“I find that the policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Cuba directly threaten the safety, national security, and foreign policy of the United States,” Trump wrote in the executive order. “The policies, practices, and actions of the Government of Cuba are designed to harm the United States and support hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign actors that seek to destroy the United States.”
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