President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has started communicating with Cuban leaders, even as his administration intensifies pressure on the communist-run island through oil restrictions and tariffs. Speaking to reporters Saturday night while flying to Florida, Trump offered few details but said, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Oil Cuts Target Havana’s Economy
Trump indicated that recent actions to block oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico are designed to push Cuba toward negotiations. The administration has framed these moves as a way to bring the Cuban government to the table following the capture of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro in early January.
Cuba has become increasingly reliant on Mexican oil after US sanctions cut off Venezuelan shipments. Trump further tightened pressure by signing an executive order imposing tariffs on any goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba, signaling Washington’s intent to isolate Havana economically.
Concerns About a Humanitarian Impact
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concern that the US measures could trigger a humanitarian crisis and said her government would seek alternatives to continue helping Cuba. Trump downplayed the warning, responding, “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Trump Predicts a Deal and a “Free Cuba”
While the administration has not clarified its ultimate objectives with Cuba, Trump expressed confidence that the Cuban government is vulnerable. He suggested that negotiations could lead to major change, saying, “So Cuba would be free again,” and predicted some sort of deal would be reached. “I think, you know, we’ll be kind,” he added.
