Former U.S. President Donald Trump urged Cuba to "make a deal" or face consequences, stating that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money to the island would cease. Trump's statement, posted on Truth Social on Sunday, referenced the recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

Trump asserted that Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan oil and financial support in exchange for providing security services to Venezuelan leaders. "Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided 'Security Services' for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!" he wrote. He added, "THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." Trump did not specify the terms of the deal he envisioned or the potential consequences Cuba might face if it did not comply.

Venezuela, a long-standing ally of Cuba, has been estimated to send approximately 35,000 barrels of oil per day to the island. This arrangement has been a crucial lifeline for Cuba's economy, particularly in light of U.S. sanctions. Cuba has also provided security personnel to Maduro's government for years. The Cuban government reported that 32 of its nationals were killed during the U.S. operation in Venezuela.

The U.S. raid that captured Maduro and Flores occurred on January 3 in Venezuela's capital. Maduro and Flores are facing drug trafficking and other charges in a U.S. court. The U.S. government has long accused Maduro's regime of corruption, human rights abuses, and drug trafficking.

The implications of Trump's statement for U.S.-Cuba relations remain unclear. The Biden administration has taken some steps to ease restrictions on Cuba, but relations remain strained. A significant reduction in Venezuelan oil shipments could have a severe impact on Cuba's economy, potentially leading to further instability. The Cuban government has not yet officially responded to Trump's remarks. The future of U.S.-Cuba relations and the potential for any "deal" remain uncertain.