Trending Now - Trump Anticipates US Involvement in Cuba Amid Blackout

WHO:

President Donald Trump

Vice President JD Vance

Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State

WHAT:

Trump stated he expects to have “the honour of taking Cuba.”

Trump claimed he could do “anything I want” with Cuba.

Trump mentioned the possibility of a “friendly takeover” of Cuba.

The US has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, leading to a total power blackout.

US officials reportedly advised Cuba to remove President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power.

Trump has threatened tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba.

WHERE:

White House, Washington, D.C.

Cuba

Venezuela

WHEN:

Trump made his comments on March 16th, 2026.

Nicolás Maduro was removed from power in January 2026.

Díaz-Canel has been president since 2018.

WHY:

The US aims to increase pressure on Cuba, a longtime adversary.

Trump’s comments come amid ongoing military operations in Iran and the recent capture of Nicolás Maduro.

HOW:

Trump has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba.

The US is negotiating with Cuba regarding its future.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 05:28 UTC)

In a bold statement made last Monday, Trump expressed his expectation of having “the honour of taking Cuba,” suggesting he could do “anything I want” with the island nation. This comes as the U.S. has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, leading to a total power blackout, while U.S. officials reportedly advised the removal of President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power. Amid ongoing military operations in Iran and the recent ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Trump has threatened tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba and has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to the island.