Donald Trump said on Monday that Cuba is facing serious humanitarian problems. He added that Marco Rubio is currently handling the situation on behalf of the United States.

Trump also suggested that the developments could lead to a possible takeover of the island nation. However, he said it was still unclear whether such a takeover would happen peacefully.

Trump Mentions Possible ‘Friendly Takeover’

Speaking at a news conference in Doral, Trump said the situation in Cuba has become extremely difficult. “He’s dealing (with it) and it may be a friendly takover, it may not be a friendly takeover. Wouldn’t really matter because they’re really down to…as they say, fumes. They have no energy, they have no money,” Trump told reporters.

His remarks suggested that the country is struggling with serious shortages of energy and financial resources.

Cuba Denies Holding Formal Talks With Washington

The Cuban government has responded to the reports by saying that it is not engaged in any high-level negotiations with the United States.

However, officials have not directly rejected media reports that American representatives may be holding informal discussions with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro. Rodriguez Castro is the grandson of Raul Castro, who led the country after his brother stepped down.

Cuban Exiles in Miami Continue to Oppose Havana Government

For decades, Cuban exile communities in Miami have strongly opposed the government in Havana. Many members of the community have long hoped to see the Cuban government collapse or be removed from power.

In the past, some exile groups even planned attempts to overthrow the system established by revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro led the revolution that brought the current political system to power in Cuba.