Trump Tells Cuba to Make a Deal Before It Is Too Late

Trump tells Cuba to make a deal or face consequences after the US cut off Venezuelan oil and financial support.
The warning follows a US raid in Caracas that led to the capture of Venezuela’s leader.
The move could deepen Cuba’s fuel crisis and raise tensions across the region.

Washington, United States – January 2026

What Happened

Trump tells Cuba to make a deal as Washington intensifies pressure on Havana following dramatic developments in Venezuela. The US president warned that Cuba would no longer receive oil or money from its long-time ally Venezuela, cutting off a key economic lifeline.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said Cuba had survived for years on Venezuelan oil and financial assistance in exchange for providing security services to Caracas. He declared that arrangement over and urged Cuban leaders to negotiate before facing further consequences.

The warning comes days after US forces carried out a high-profile operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Both face drug trafficking and other charges in a US court.

Trump did not outline what kind of deal he expects Cuba to accept or what penalties could follow if Havana refuses.

Why It Matters

Trump tells Cuba to make a deal at a moment when the island is already struggling with fuel shortages, blackouts, and economic strain. Venezuela reportedly supplied around 35,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba, a flow that helped keep the country’s power grid running.

The US decision to halt Venezuelan oil shipments — including the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers — threatens to worsen Cuba’s electricity crisis and daily life for millions of people.

The situation also marks a sharp escalation in US policy toward Cuba. While the Trump administration has not announced formal plans for intervention, senior officials have issued increasingly blunt warnings. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week that Cuba’s leadership should be deeply concerned about what comes next.

The broader message signals that Washington sees an opportunity to reshape political dynamics in the region following Maduro’s removal.

What Happens Next

Cuba’s government has not yet responded to Trump’s latest remarks. However, President Miguel Díaz-Canel previously praised Cuban nationals killed during the Caracas operation, calling them heroes who stood against foreign forces.

Washington has indicated that military intervention in Cuba may not be necessary, with Trump previously claiming the country is “ready to fall.” Still, analysts say further economic pressure is likely, especially if Havana refuses to engage in talks.

Trump also fueled speculation about Cuba’s future leadership by sharing a social media post suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio could one day become president of Cuba. Trump endorsed the idea, adding uncertainty to an already tense situation.

Regional governments are now watching closely to see whether Cuba seeks negotiations or braces for deeper isolation.

Conclusion

Trump tells Cuba to make a deal as the US moves to cut off oil, money, and political support tied to Venezuela. The warning places Cuba at a crossroads, with economic pressure mounting and diplomatic options narrowing.

Whether Havana chooses negotiation or resistance could determine not only its immediate future but also the balance of power across the Caribbean and Latin America.