President Donald Trump said the United States has begun talking with Cuban leaders, even as his administration intensifies economic pressure on the island by cutting off key oil supplies and targeting countries that help keep Cuba fueled.
Speaking to reporters Saturday night while flying to Florida, Trump offered few details about the talks but said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Oil Cuts Used as Leverage
Trump suggested recent US actions are designed to push Cuba toward negotiations. In recent weeks, his administration moved to block oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, steps he said would leave Havana with little choice but to engage with Washington.
The pressure has already been felt on the island. Cuba became increasingly dependent on Mexican oil after the US halted shipments from Venezuela following the removal of President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Regional Fallout and Humanitarian Fears
The White House added to the pressure this past week by imposing tariffs on goods from any country that supplies oil to Cuba. The move drew criticism from Mexico, whose president, Claudia Sheinbaum, warned it could trigger a humanitarian crisis and said her government would look for other ways to support Cuba.
Trump dismissed those concerns, arguing that a crisis could be avoided. “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Trump Predicts a Deal Ahead
While the administration’s broader goals with Cuba remain unclear, Trump has increasingly focused on the island as part of a tougher approach toward US adversaries. He has predicted the Cuban government is close to collapse and believes negotiations could bring major change.
“So Cuba would be free again,” Trump said, adding that he expects some form of agreement to be reached. “I think, you know, we’ll be kind.”
