Donald Trump told Cuba to make a deal or face unspecified consequences, asserting that the island nation would no longer receive oil or financial support from Venezuela following the anticipated removal of Nicolás Maduro. The former U.S. president issued the warning via his Truth Social platform on Sunday, stating, "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 elaborate on the specifics of the "deal" he proposed. His statement comes as Cuba, a long-time ally of Venezuela, faces potential instability following the shift in leadership in Caracas. Venezuela has been Cuba's primary oil supplier, but U.S. sanctions have severely disrupted these shipments. Shipping data indicates that no cargoes have departed Venezuelan ports for Cuba since Maduro's removal last week.
The relationship between the United States and Cuba has been fraught with tension since the Cuban Revolution in 1959, which led to the establishment of a communist state under Fidel Castro. The U.S. imposed a trade embargo on Cuba in 1962, which remains in effect, though some restrictions have been eased and tightened over the decades. Cuba has historically relied on support from other communist or socialist states, including the Soviet Union during the Cold War and, more recently, Venezuela.
Venezuela's oil wealth has been crucial for Cuba's economy, providing subsidized oil in exchange for Cuban doctors and other professionals. This arrangement has been particularly vital for Cuba, given the U.S. embargo and the decline of its own industries. The potential loss of Venezuelan support presents a significant economic challenge for the island nation.
The Trump administration had previously tightened sanctions on Cuba, reversing the Obama administration's efforts to normalize relations. These measures included restrictions on travel and remittances, further straining the Cuban economy. The current U.S. policy towards Cuba remains uncertain, but Trump's recent statement suggests a continuation of the hardline approach. The Cuban government has yet to officially respond to Trump's statement, but analysts anticipate a firm stance against what they perceive as U.S. interference in their internal affairs. The situation is being closely watched by other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean, many of whom advocate for a peaceful resolution and respect for national sovereignty.
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