President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has begun communicating with Cuban leaders, even as his administration increases pressure on the island by restricting oil supplies. Speaking to reporters Saturday night aboard Air Force One, Trump said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” without offering details on when or how those talks began.
Using Oil as Leverage
Trump indicated that his recent actions against Cuba, including cutting off oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, are intended to push Havana toward negotiations. Cuba has become increasingly dependent on Mexico for oil after US sanctions blocked Venezuelan shipments following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
This week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from any country that provides oil to Cuba, further tightening the economic squeeze and signaling his administration’s intent to force Cuba to the negotiating table.
Regional Concerns and Humanitarian Warnings
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum cautioned that the new measures could create a humanitarian crisis and said her government would explore alternative ways to continue supporting Cuba. Trump countered those concerns, asserting that a crisis could be avoided. “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal,” he said.
Predictions of a Deal and “Free Cuba”
While the administration has not outlined specific goals, Trump expressed confidence that the Cuban government is near collapse. He predicted that negotiations would result in a deal, saying, “So Cuba would be free again,” and adding that the US would “be kind” in any agreement reached.
