President Donald Trump said the United States has begun discussions with Cuban leaders, even as his administration ramps up economic pressure by restricting key oil supplies and targeting countries that support Havana. Speaking to reporters Saturday night on his flight to Florida, Trump offered few specifics but confirmed, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Oil Restrictions as a Negotiation Tactic
Trump indicated that recent moves to cut off oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico are meant to push Cuba toward negotiations. The administration has signaled that these measures are designed to force the communist-run island to the bargaining table, following the capture of Venezuela’s then-president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Cuba has already felt the squeeze, becoming increasingly reliant on Mexican oil after US sanctions halted Venezuelan shipments. In addition, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba, further tightening economic pressure.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Impact
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the new US measures could spark a humanitarian crisis and said her government would seek alternatives to continue supporting Cuba. In response, Trump dismissed such concerns, saying, “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Trump Predicts a Deal and a “Free Cuba”
While the administration has not outlined specific goals, Trump expressed confidence that the Cuban government is on the verge of collapse and that negotiations could lead to significant change. “So Cuba would be free again,” he said, adding that he expects some form of agreement and that the US would “be kind” in any deal reached.
