Donald Trump has warned Cuba to “make a deal” or face severe consequences. The US president’s message came after the successful seizure of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. This raid marks a significant shift in US-Cuba relations.
Trump Urges Cuba to Make a Deal
Trump stated that Cuba’s access to Venezuelan oil would stop unless it complies with US demands. Venezuela, a key oil supplier to Cuba, sends around 35,000 barrels of oil a day. With US forces blocking this supply, Cuba faces a severe fuel shortage.
Trump posted on Truth Social, “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!” He further declared that there would be “NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” and urged Cuba to make a deal before it was too late.
Cuba’s Defiant Response
Cuba has rejected Trump’s ultimatum. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez emphasized Cuba’s right to import fuel without interference. He said, “We have the absolute right to import fuel from any willing exporter.”
President Miguel Díaz-Canel also refused to submit to US pressure. He called Trump’s approach “blackmail” and affirmed that Cuba would not be coerced by “military force against other States.”
The Trump Administration’s Tactics
Trump’s administration has taken aggressive steps to limit Venezuela and Cuba’s influence. One tactic includes seizing sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. On January 7, the US seized a fifth tanker suspected of transporting Venezuelan oil to Cuba.
Trump’s strong stance echoes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s warning that Cuba’s leaders are “in a lot of trouble.”
Cuba’s Role in Maduro’s Security
Trump also highlighted Cuba’s role in Maduro’s security. Cuba has long protected Venezuela’s leaders, including Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The US raid to capture Maduro resulted in 32 Cuban casualties. Trump claimed these Cuban nationals were killed during the attack and suggested Venezuela no longer needed Cuba’s protection, as the US military would now step in.
US Foreign Policy Toward Cuba and Latin America
Trump’s foreign policy increasingly focuses on Latin America. He frames his actions within a revived “Monroe Doctrine,” asserting US dominance in the region. His administration has been particularly critical of left-wing leaders, including Colombia’s Gustavo Petro. Trump has suggested military action could be used in Latin America to combat “drug cartels.”
Trump’s hostile stance toward Cuba began with the reinstatement of Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This move reversed the efforts of former President Obama to improve relations with Cuba.
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Cuba’s Sovereignty at Stake
Cuba has condemned the US actions, calling them an attack on its sovereignty. Díaz-Canel criticized the US for “turning everything into a business” and for its hypocrisy. He stressed that Cuba’s political model was a sovereign decision and would not be dictated by outside forces.
Cuba’s defiance will continue to clash with the US’s increasing pressure. Both nations are locked in a high-stakes confrontation over oil, security, and political influence in Latin America.