US President Donald Trump said on Friday that Cuba could soon collapse politically and economically. He suggested that the situation could open a major diplomatic opportunity for his administration.
In a phone interview with CNN, Trump spoke about what he described as military and diplomatic achievements during his second term. During the conversation, he predicted major changes in Cuba’s political future.
“Cuba is gonna fall pretty soon, by the way, unrelated, but Cuba is gonna fall too. They want to make a deal so badly,” CNN quoted Trump as saying.
Trump says Cuba wants a deal with Washington
Trump claimed that Cuban authorities are eager to negotiate with the United States. According to him, Washington plans to involve the US Secretary of State in future talks.
He said he intends to assign US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to handle discussions with Havana.
“They want to make a deal, and so I’m going to put Marco (Rubio) over there and we’ll see how that works out. We’re really focused on this one right now. We’ve got plenty of time, but Cuba’s ready — after 50 years,” he was quoted as saying.
Trump also said he has closely followed developments in Cuba for decades and believes the current situation has created an opportunity for the United States.
“I’ve been watching it for 50 years, and it’s fallen right into my lap because of me, it’s fallen, but it’s nevertheless fallen right into the lap. And we’re doing very well,” he added.
Trump signals Cuba may be next policy focus
A day earlier, Trump spoke about Cuba while addressing reporters at the White House. He suggested that the return of American Cubans to their homeland may happen in the future.
The president hinted that Cuba could become a major foreign policy focus once the ongoing tensions involving Iran are addressed.
While speaking about Rubio’s role, Trump praised his work and hinted that he may soon take charge of the Cuba issue.
“He’s doing some job, and your next one is going to be, we want to do that special Cuba. He’s waiting. But he says, ‘Let’s get this one finished first.’”
Trump stresses cautious diplomatic approach
Despite speaking about several global issues, Trump said his administration prefers a careful and gradual strategy.
He warned that trying to handle too many diplomatic or military actions at the same time could create risks.
“We could do them all at the same time, but bad things happen. If you watch countries over the years, you do them all too fast, bad things happen. We’re not going to let anything bad happen to this country,” he added.
US pressure intensifies crisis in Cuba
At the same time, US pressure on Cuba has continued to increase. Trump and several Republican leaders believe the communist government on the island is nearing collapse.
Recent developments inside Cuba show the country is facing serious economic and energy challenges.
A major blackout across western parts of the island on Wednesday exposed the deepening power crisis. Analysts say the situation has worsened due to a US fuel blockade that has limited Cuba’s ability to import oil.
According to The Hill, experts believe Cuba’s remaining fuel supplies could run out by mid-to-late March. If that happens, it could severely disrupt the island’s economy.
Rubio leads talks with Cuban officials
Trump has asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead negotiations with Cuban representatives.
The president has even suggested the possibility of a “friendly” takeover of the island.
“They want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea,” Trump said at the White House on Thursday, indicating that major developments could occur in the coming weeks.
Reports suggest Cuban leaders are examining different options to maintain stability. These include economic reforms, cooperation with regional partners, and reducing ties with countries that oppose the United States.
Rubio has already held discussions with Raúl Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban president Raúl Castro. The Castro family remains influential because of its strong control over the Cuban military.