Trump Proposes 'Friendly Takeover' Of Cuba Amid Tensions

On February 27, 2026, President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, a statement made against the backdrop of heightened tensions between the US and Cuba following the recent ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated, 'They have no money, they have no anything right now. But they’re talking with us and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba,' indicating that the Cuban government is in a precarious situation. The US has imposed a strict oil embargo on Cuba, exacerbating its economic crisis, which Trump noted by saying, 'They’re in a big deal of trouble.' This remark reflects a shift in US foreign policy aimed at increasing influence in Latin America, particularly after the US's actions in Venezuela, which have left Cuba isolated and struggling economically (Business Recorder, The Guardian, Financial Times).