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Trump hints at imminent change in Cuba
US President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that Cuba could be the next target of his administration's regional strategy, stating that political change on the island was "just a question of time."
Speaking in front of Inter Miami's soccer team, which includes stars like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, Trump told the club's owner, Cuban-American billionaire Jorge Mas, that they would soon be "celebrating what's going on in Cuba." He claimed Cuban authorities were eager to negotiate, adding, "It's going to be an amazing day." Mas echoed the sentiment, calling the prospect exciting.
In a follow-up interview with CNN on Friday, Trump declared, "Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon," and revealed plans to send Senator Marco Rubio to lead potential negotiations. While his timeline remained vague, he emphasized that Cuba was "ready-after 50 years."
Fuel shortages deepen crisis
The island has been grappling with severe energy shortages since the US-backed removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January, which cut off Cuba's primary oil supplier. Despite efforts by other allies like Mexico, the shortfall has left the country's Soviet-era power grid struggling to meet demand, triggering nationwide blackouts.
With garbage trucks largely idle due to fuel rationing, waste has piled up in streets, prompting residents in some areas to burn trash at night. The acrid smoke has raised concerns about a looming public health emergency. Even in wealthier neighborhoods of Havana, families have resorted to cooking with firewood during outages.
The lack of fuel has also crippled generators, leaving most Cubans with no alternative to the unreliable grid. Solar panels remain rare, and the island's thermoelectric plants cannot operate at full capacity without adequate crude oil imports.
Diplomatic maneuvering and skepticism
Trump and Rubio have framed the pressure campaign as a way to weaken Cuba's leadership ahead of potential negotiations. However, critics argue the strategy disproportionately harms ordinary citizens, questioning whether it aims to provoke unrest.
Unconfirmed reports suggest backchannel talks may be underway, with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro-grandson of former leader Raúl Castro-acting as a key intermediary. The Cuban government has not publicly acknowledged the discussions but has taken limited steps to ease the crisis, allowing private businesses to import fuel. Analysts doubt these measures will significantly alleviate the shortages.
Tourism and summer fears
The fuel crisis has also disrupted tourism, Cuba's economic lifeline. Air France recently joined other airlines in suspending flights to Havana due to refueling difficulties. While cooler weather has provided temporary relief, residents worry about enduring the island's sweltering summer without power for air conditioning or fans.
"Supplies have stabilized, but the situation remains fragile," an unnamed Cuban official told local media.
What's next
Trump's comments signal a renewed focus on Cuba, though the administration's exact next steps remain unclear. Observers are watching for signs of formal negotiations or further economic measures, while Cubans brace for a difficult summer ahead.
