U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba, urging its government to “make a deal” with the United States after announcing that no more Venezuelan oil or money will be sent to the island nation. Trump’s comments come as part of wider pressure following the U.S. military operation that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and tightened control over Venezuela’s oil exports.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA — ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” He did not specify what form such a deal might take.
Cuba has long relied on subsidised Venezuelan oil to keep its energy‑dependent economy functioning. After the U.S. began seizing sanctioned tankers, shipments to Havana have effectively stopped, intensifying fuel shortages and blackouts on the island.
In response, Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel denounced Trump’s threat on social media, declaring Cuba a “free, independent, and sovereign nation” that will defend itself. Cuban officials also rejected claims that Havana received payments for “security services” in exchange for oil, and criticised U.S. actions as destabilising.
Trump also reposted a message suggesting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could become Cuba’s president, responding: “Sounds good to me!” — further inflaming regional tensions.
Amid Cuba’s deepening economic crisis — marked by shortages, blackouts, and emigration — the U.S. ultimatum marks a sharp escalation in Washington’s approach to Havana, raising concerns about stability across the Caribbean and Latin America.
