President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has begun communications with Cuban leaders, even as his administration ramps up economic pressure on the island. Speaking to reporters Saturday night aboard Air Force One, Trump said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” without providing details on the level or timing of the outreach.
Cutting Off Oil to Force Negotiations
Trump suggested that recent US actions—halting oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico—are intended to push Cuba toward the negotiating table. The island has become increasingly dependent on Mexican oil after US sanctions blocked Venezuelan deliveries following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.
In addition, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from any country that supplies oil to Cuba, putting further pressure on Havana and its partners.
Regional Concerns and Humanitarian Warnings
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the US measures could spark a humanitarian crisis and said her government would seek alternatives to continue helping Cuba. Trump downplayed those concerns, stating, “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Predicting a Deal and a “Free Cuba”
While the administration has not clarified its exact goals, Trump expressed confidence that Cuba’s government is near collapse. “So Cuba would be free again,” he said, predicting some sort of agreement and adding, “I think, you know, we’ll be kind.”
