Trending Now - Cuba Invites Exiles to Invest Amid Political Tensions
WHO:
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez stated, “any external aggressor will clash with an impregnable resistance.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the investment policy, stating, “Cuba has an economy that doesn't work and a political and governmental system that can't fix it.”
President Trump, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga, musician Willy Chirino, Mike Hammer (head of the U.S. embassy in Havana), Paolo Spadoni (economist with Augusta University)
WHAT:
Trump hinted at a potential "friendly takeover of Cuba" and stated, “I think I could do anything I want with it.”
Trump mentioned that the U.S. and Cuban governments are in talks, saying, “I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.”
Cuba has invited Cuban Americans and other exiles to invest in and own businesses on the island.
Cuba is removing impediments to U.S. businesses and other foreign investors.
More than 1 million Cubans have emigrated from the island since 2021.
The U.S. has imposed an economic embargo against Cuba.
Trump has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries selling oil to Cuba.
Perez-Oliva Fraga stated, “There are no limitations” regarding investment from the Cuban community abroad.
The policy shift is seen as a potential catalyst for deeper U.S.-Cuba economic ties.
WHERE:
Cuba, Miami (South Florida), U.S. embassy in Havana
WHEN:
The gala event with Willy Chirino took place in February 2026.
Trump made comments regarding Cuba on March 17th, 2026.
The gala event with Willy Chirino took place in February 2026.
The announcement regarding investment opportunities was made on March 16th, 2026.
The Cuban economic policy shift follows the beginning of talks with the U.S. in March 2026.
WHY:
The Cuban government is facing severe energy shortages and has been under intense U.S. pressure.
Cuba is seeking to revive its collapsed economy, worsened by a U.S.-imposed oil blockade and sanctions.
The invitation to exiles is a response to the long-standing economic challenges faced by the country.
HOW:
Federal prosecutors in Miami are targeting Cuban leaders for possible prosecution on economic, drug, violent, and immigration offenses.
Cubans living on the island have been allowed to open and operate private businesses since 2021, but nationals living abroad were previously excluded.
The investment policy allows for participation in various areas of the country’s development, including agriculture.
(UPDATED March 18, 2026 03:48 UTC)
In a recent statement, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez declared that any external aggressor will face an "impregnable resistance," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Cuba's economy and political system. On March 17, Trump hinted at a potential "friendly takeover of Cuba," suggesting that the U.S. and Cuban governments are in talks to either make a deal or take further action. This comes as the Cuban government grapples with severe energy shortages and faces scrutiny from federal prosecutors in Miami targeting its leaders for various offenses.
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(UPDATED March 18, 2026 01:31 UTC)
Cuba has officially invited Cuban Americans and other exiles to invest in and own businesses on the island, marking a significant shift in its economic policy aimed at reviving its struggling economy. This announcement, made on March 16, follows the beginning of talks with the U.S. and comes as President Trump has cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened tariffs on countries selling oil to the island. Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga emphasized that “there are no limitations” regarding investment from the Cuban community abroad, as the country seeks to remove barriers for U.S. and foreign investors.