President Donald Trump said the United States has begun talking with Cuban leaders, even as his administration tightens economic pressure on the island by cutting off key oil supplies and targeting countries that continue to provide fuel.
Speaking to reporters Saturday night on his flight to Florida, Trump offered no specifics on the outreach but said, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Oil Restrictions Aim to Force Negotiations
Trump suggested that recent US actions—blocking oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico—are intended to push Cuba to the negotiating table. Cuba became increasingly reliant on Mexican oil after the US halted shipments from Venezuela following the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro in early January.
This week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, adding further pressure on Mexico and other suppliers.
Regional Concerns and Humanitarian Warnings
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reacted to the move on Friday, warning that it could create a humanitarian crisis and saying her government would explore alternatives to continue supporting Cuba.
Trump downplayed the concern, saying, “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Predicting a Deal and a “Free” Cuba
While the ultimate goals of US-Cuba talks remain unclear, Trump has predicted the Cuban government is close to collapse and expressed confidence that negotiations could lead to a resolution.
“So Cuba would be free again,” Trump said, adding, “I think, you know, we’ll be kind,” signaling his expectation of a deal with Havana in the near future.
