Trump Threatens to Take Over Cuba Amid Total Power Crisis
PRESIDENT Donald Trump issued explicit threats against Cuba on Monday, 16 March, as the communist nation plunged into total darkness following the collapse of its national electrical grid, exacerbated by a strict oil embargo from Washington.
After nearly seven decades of resistance to the United States, Havana’s authorities now face massive pressure from the Trump administration, which appears determined to implement drastic changes on the island.
“You know, throughout my life, I have heard about the United States and Cuba. When is the United States going to do it?” Trump said to reporters at the White House.
“I really believe I will… have the honour of taking over Cuba,” Trump added. “Whether I free it, or take it, I think I could do anything I want to them, if you want to know the truth. They are a very weak nation right now.”
This explicit threat emerged as Cuba’s 9.6 million inhabitants struggle with total power outages. The National Electrical Union of Cuba (UNE) announced a “complete shutdown of the national network” has occurred, though restoration efforts are underway.
Cuba’s ageing power generation system has long been in dire condition, with daily blackouts lasting up to 20 hours becoming normal in some regions. However, conditions have deteriorated significantly since the US ousted Cuba’s key ally, Nicolas Maduro, in Venezuela in early January.
Trump maintains a de facto oil blockade, with no fuel entering the island since 9 January. Beyond devastating the electricity sector, fuel shortages have forced airlines to reduce flights, dealing a severe blow to the tourism industry.
In an effort to ease economic pressure, Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Deputy Prime Minister, Oscar Perez-Oliva, announced a surprising policy allowing Cuban exiles to invest and conduct business on the island.
“Cuba is open to having smooth commercial relations with US companies,” Perez-Oliva told NBC News. He added that this opportunity also extends to “Cubans living in the United States and their descendants.”
Shortages of food, medicine and electricity have triggered public frustration resulting in rare protests. Last weekend, crowds damaged the provincial office of Cuba’s Communist Party in the city of Moron. Police arrested 14 people in connection with the incident.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged through a post on social media platform X the “dissatisfaction felt by our people because of prolonged power outages.” However, he asserted, “What can never be understood, justified, or accepted is violence.”
Meanwhile, Trump contended that the fuel blockade is a response to the “extraordinary threat” Cuba poses to the United States. He suggested that a deal with Cuba might materialise soon after his administration resolves its conflict with Iran.
“I think we will soon make a deal or do whatever we need to do,” Trump said.