United States President Donald Trump once again mentioned the possibility of the United States taking control of Cuba when commenting on the island’s political and economic situation. In a conversation with journalists this Monday (9), the Republican stated that the country could end up going through a change of regime and said that Havana would be under pressure to negotiate with Washington.
According to Trump, a possible negotiation could take place under the leadership of Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, whom he publicly praised.
“Marco Rubio is doing a great job,” said the president when asked about the possibility of an agreement with the Cuban government. 
Trump talks about possible “takeover”
During his response, Trump stated that Cuba could end up being the target of a type of takeover by the United States, depending on the direction of the negotiations.
“It could be a friendly takeover. It might not be a friendly takeover. It wouldn’t make any difference,” declared the president. 
According to him, the island’s economic and humanitarian situation would be extremely deteriorated, which would increase the pressure for a political solution.
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Trump stated that Cuba would have practically no resources to sustain its operation. “They are on what is called the last steam. They have no energy, they have no money. They are in great difficulty from a humanitarian point of view,” he said.
The president also mentioned the historical relationship between Havana and Caracas when explaining the economic fragility of the Cuban government.
According to Trump, the island’s regime depended heavily on energy and financial support from Venezuela, which provided fuel and other essential resources.
“They lived in Venezuela. Now they don’t,” he said. 
According to him, cutting off these sources of support would have left the country in a critical situation.
Statements repeat recent speech
The statements reinforce statements made previously by Trump, in which he suggested that Cuba would be “in its last moments of life” and mentioned the possibility of a regime change in the country.
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The comment came just days after the American president authorized military strikes against Iran, increasing the confrontational tone of the United States government on different fronts of foreign policy.
