In a statement earlier in the day, Trump said the Cuban government was “in great difficulty” and “talking to us,” suggesting the US might be pursuing a “friendly takeover.” Trump’s narrative portrays Cuba as a financially desperate and open-to-negotiation country. This statement comes after a long period of pressure. Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has restarted and expanded a policy of maximum pressure against Havana. At the end of January 2026, he signed a presidential decree declaring a national emergency regarding Cuba and threatening tariffs on any country supplying oil to the island. This move effectively initiated an oil blockade. Cuba is heavily reliant on Venezuelan and Mexican fuel. With shipments halted due to US pressure, the island experienced prolonged power outages, airport fuel shortages, and a general economic crisis.