President Donald Trump said “Cuba is next” during a speech at an investment forum in Miami on Friday, raising fresh concerns about potential U.S. action against the island nation.
The remark came as Trump highlighted what he described as successful military operations in Venezuela and Iran, though he offered no clear details on what his statement meant in practice.
Newsweek contacted the White House via an online form and Cuba’s defense department by email on Saturday for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump’s comments signal a possible escalation in U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba at a time of heightened global tensions. The administration has already taken aggressive steps in several other countries, and even vague suggestions of military involvement could increase instability in the region and strain diplomatic efforts currently underway.
What to Know
Speaking in Miami, as reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera, Trump praised the strength of the U.S. military and suggested it may need to be used despite earlier hopes it would not. He then added that Cuba could be next, before quickly downplaying the remark. He did not outline any specific plan for the country.
Trump told the audience he had built a powerful military that he hoped would not need to be used, but added that “sometimes you have to use it,” before stating that Cuba is next and then urging listeners to “pretend I didn’t say that.”
Trump has repeatedly argued that Cuba’s government is close to collapse amid a deepening economic crisis. The country has been struggling with severe fuel shortages and economic disruption, in part due to the loss of oil shipments from Venezuela following the removal of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
At the same time, the Trump administration has opened talks with Cuban officials in recent weeks. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed negotiations are taking place in an effort to avoid a potential confrontation.
Earlier this month, Trump also suggested Cuba could face a “friendly takeover,” before adding that it might not be friendly, underscoring the ambiguity surrounding U.S. intentions.
Díaz-Canel, meanwhile, has acknowledged ongoing discussions with Washington, emphasizing efforts to prevent escalation as Cuba faces mounting economic pressure.
What People Are Saying
In a video of the speech posted to Al Jazeera Trump said: “I built this great military. I said you’ll never have to use it but sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba’s next by the way. But pretend I didn’t say that. Pretend I didn’t say it. Please, please. Please, media, please, disregard that statement. Thank you very much. Cuba’s next.”
MAGA political commentator Bill Mitchell, host of the YourVoiceAmerica podcast posted on X to his 499k followers: “President Trump said we’re talking to Cuba right now, but Iran comes first. Pretty soon, we will either make a deal or do whatever we have to do. He pointed out a lot of people vote for Trump from Cuba: violently thrown out, families killed. They’ve waited 50 years for freedom. Marco Rubio is working his magic on this. Trump sent him in to lead the push. This is huge pressure on the communist regime. No more endless waiting, change feels imminent for the Cuban people.”
Speaking previously to NBC, as reported on X, Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío Domínguez, said: “The US, the most powerful nation in the world, has had to dedicate almost seven decades to try to destroy the system of [Cuba’s] government and yet failed.”
What Happens Next
It remains unclear whether Trump’s comments reflect a concrete policy shift or rhetorical posturing. With negotiations ongoing and Cuba’s economic situation worsening, the coming weeks could determine whether tensions ease through diplomacy or move toward a more confrontational path.
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