Trump Threatens Cuban Regime Change Following Venezuelan Intervention

President Donald Trump declared that the downfall of the Cuban government is a question of time, following U.S. interventions in Venezuela that severed oil and financial flows to the island. Trump asserted that by cutting off these resources, the U.S. has left the Cuban leadership in a position where they want to make a deal, while simultaneously characterizing the resulting humanitarian misery and widespread blackouts in Havana as icing on the cake.

During White House events on March 5 and 6, 2026, Trump stated that the U.S. would prioritize the conclusion of military operations in Iran before addressing Cuba. He suggested a possible friendly takeover or a raid to capture President Miguel Díaz-Canel, similar to the operation that captured Nicolás Maduro in January. Trump designated Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the lead for this future project.

Cuba is currently facing a deepening energy crisis and diplomatic isolation, with Ecuador, Honduras, and Jamaica terminating various agreements. While the U.S. Treasury Department announced a licensing policy to allow the resale of Venezuelan oil to support Cuba's private sector, the government of Russia condemned the broader blockade as a violation of international law. President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has responded by vowing to defend the country to the last drop of blood.