President Donald Trump has stirred international debate after declaring that he may “take” Cuba, a remark that came as the island nation struggles with a deepening economic and energy crisis. His comments arrive at a moment when Cuba is facing widespread power outages, growing protests, and negotiations with the United States that could reshape the island’s future.
Trump’s words were among the most explicit statements yet from the White House about Cuba’s vulnerability and the possibility of dramatic change.
Trump’s Remark About “Taking” Cuba
Speaking at the White House, Trump said he believes he may soon have the “honor” of taking Cuba.
“I do believe I’ll be having the honor of taking Cuba,” he told reporters.
He clarified that the word “taking” could mean different things, suggesting it might involve freeing the country or reaching some other form of control or influence.
“Whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it,” Trump said. “They’re a very weakened nation right now.”
Trump made similar remarks during another appearance, repeating that Cuba was in a fragile position and implying that the United States could shape its future.
“You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” he said.
His statements come as the administration applies heavy pressure on Havana through economic measures and diplomatic negotiations.
An Island Plunged Into Darkness
Trump’s comments coincided with a worsening energy crisis in Cuba.
The island recently suffered a nationwide blackout after what authorities described as a “complete shutdown of the national grid,” according to the country’s electric utility, Unión Nacional Eléctrica.
Cuba’s electricity system has deteriorated for years and now struggles to function. Much of the infrastructure is aging and there is not enough fuel to operate power plants.
In some parts of the island, daily power outages lasting up to 20 hours have become normal.
The crisis intensified after the United States effectively blocked Cuba’s access to Venezuelan oil. Since early January, Cuba has not been able to import oil, leaving the country with little fuel to run power plants, transportation systems, and other parts of the economy.
The shortage has also forced airlines to reduce flights to the island, damaging the tourism industry that many Cubans rely on for income.
Economic Collapse and Shortages
The fuel shortage has triggered broader economic disruption.
Hospitals have postponed some procedures because of limited electricity and fuel. Gasoline sales have been rationed, and transportation has been sharply reduced.
Public transportation has been curtailed, university classes have been suspended, and farmers have struggled to bring food to markets.
The tourism sector has also been hit hard as flights decline due to the lack of jet fuel.
Cuba’s economy had already been struggling because of decades of state control and limited private enterprise. The collapse of support from Venezuela made the situation even worse.
The island’s government now faces a humanitarian and economic crisis that some experts say could worsen quickly if fuel supplies are not restored.
Growing Protests and Public Anger
As the situation worsens, frustration among ordinary Cubans has begun to spill into the streets.
Protests have increased sharply in recent months. Demonstrations rose from 31 in January to 60 in February and 130 in the first half of March, according to the human rights organization Cubalex.
Many protests occur after dark during blackouts, when residents bang pots and pans to express anger.
In one city, Morón, protesters vandalized the headquarters of the ruling Communist Party and burned furniture outside the building.
Hundreds of people shouted “Libertad, libertad,” meaning freedom, as they confronted police.
The protest began after residents endured a 30 hour power outage.
Across the island, similar demonstrations have taken place as blackouts grow more frequent.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the frustration.
“The discontent our people feel because of the prolonged blackouts” is understandable, he said in a message posted online.
At the same time, he warned that violence would not be tolerated.
“What will never be comprehensible, justified or admitted is violence,” Díaz-Canel said.
Authorities have arrested several people involved in the Morón unrest.
Experts say the protests reflect the growing desperation of ordinary citizens.
“People are incredibly frustrated,” said William LeoGrande, a Cuba expert at American University. “It’s no surprise that you get occasional outbreaks of unrest and even rioting.”
Negotiations Between Washington and Havana
Even as tensions rise, the United States and Cuba are quietly engaged in talks.
Díaz-Canel confirmed that his government has held discussions with the Trump administration about resolving the standoff.
Trump also acknowledged that negotiations are underway.
“I can tell you that they’re talking to us,” he said.
He added that Cuba’s weak position could lead to a deal soon.
“It’s a failed nation, they have no oil, they have no nothing,” Trump said. “They have nice land.”
The Cuban government has begun signaling potential economic reforms that could make negotiations easier.
Officials announced that Cuban exiles may soon be allowed to invest in businesses and own companies on the island.
Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Cuba’s deputy prime minister and foreign trade minister, said the country wants new economic relationships.
“Cuba is open to having a fluid commercial relationship with U.S. companies and also with Cubans residing in the United States and their descendants,” he said.
The proposal could allow members of the Cuban diaspora to invest in the private sector and participate in rebuilding the island’s economy.
FAM Editor: Trump sees this at least in part as a real-estate play, and it is almost guaranteed that part of the deal will be to repay the Cuban families who lost out to Castro. If one were so disposed, buying up land in Cuba would be a good thing as soon as it becomes possible.
