Donald Trump has directed attention towards Cuba, urging the country to negotiate with the United States “before it’s too late.” The US President has cautioned Cuba about the halt in oil and financial aid from Venezuela, its primary oil provider and longstanding ally. Approximately 35,000 barrels of oil per day are sent from Venezuela to Cuba, but following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his spouse Cilia Flores by US forces on January 3, Trump has pushed interim president Delcy Rodriguez to reroute Venezuelan oil to the US.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Cuba has relied on substantial amounts of oil and money from Venezuela for years. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the past two Venezuelan dictators, but not anymore! There will be a cessation of oil and financial aid to Cuba – none! I strongly recommend they reach a deal before it’s too late.”
No specific details have been disclosed regarding the type of agreement Trump is seeking or the potential repercussions for Cuba.
Cuba has historically supplied various personnel to Venezuela, including medical professionals, military advisors, and members of Maduro’s security team. The Cuban government reported that 32 of its nationals, who served as Maduro’s bodyguards, were killed during the January 3 operation. President Miguel Díaz-Canel hailed them as “brave Cuban combatants” who would be remembered for confronting the “terrorists in imperial uniforms.”
In a recent Truth Social post, Trump mentioned, “Most of those Cubans perished in the US attack last week, and Venezuela no longer requires protection from the criminals and extortionists who oppressed them for years. Venezuela now has the support of the United States, possessing the strongest military globally, to safeguard them, and safeguard them we shall.”
As of now, the Cuban government has not issued a response to Trump’s latest warnings. US intelligence reports have portrayed a grim economic and political landscape in Cuba. However, insider sources familiar with confidential assessments have indicated that there is scant evidence to support Trump’s assertion that the country is on the verge of collapse following Maduro’s capture.