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Trump issues ultimatum to Cuba over Venezuelan oil
U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Cuba reach an agreement with Washington, warning that shipments of Venezuelan oil and financial support will cease entirely. The move follows the U.S. military's capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.
Venezuelan oil lifeline severed
Trump announced on Sunday via Truth Social that Cuba would no longer receive the estimated 35,000 barrels of oil per day it has relied on from Venezuela. He accused Cuba of providing security services to Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chávez, in exchange for the resources.
"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! THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE."
Donald Trump, Truth Social
The president did not clarify what terms Cuba would need to meet or what consequences it might face for refusing.
Cuban casualties in Caracas raid
Trump referenced the January 3 U.S. operation in Caracas, which resulted in the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on drug trafficking and other charges. Cuba has long provided Maduro's personal security detail, and Havana confirmed that 32 Cuban nationals died during the raid.
"Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week's USA attack, and Venezuela doesn't need protection anymore from the thugs and extortionists who held them hostage for so many years."
Donald Trump
Trump added that Venezuela would now be protected by the U.S., which he described as "the most powerful military in the World (by far!)."
Cuba vows to honor fallen security personnel
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has not directly responded to Trump's latest threats but previously called the 32 Cuban fatalities "brave combatants" who confronted "terrorists in imperial uniforms."
U.S. officials hint at escalating pressure
While the Trump administration has not outlined specific plans for Cuba, the president has previously suggested the country was "ready to fall" without military intervention. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American and former Florida senator, warned last week that Cuba's leadership should be "concerned" and that "they're in a lot of trouble."
Trump amplified a social media post on Sunday suggesting Rubio could become Cuba's president, adding, "Sounds good to me!"
Cuba faces deepening energy crisis
The U.S. has already begun seizing Venezuelan oil tankers under sanctions, exacerbating Cuba's fuel and electricity shortages. The loss of Venezuelan oil shipments is expected to further strain the island's struggling economy.
