US President Donald Trump said he would have the “honour of taking Cuba” as the island nation struggles with a major power outage. Speaking about long-standing tensions, he said, “You know, all my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it?” He added, “I do believe I’ll be … having the honour of taking Cuba. Whether I free it, take it – think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation right now.”

His comments came during ongoing discussions between Washington and Havana about Cuba’s future.

US Pushes for Political Change

During recent talks, US officials reportedly demanded the removal of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

At the same time, the United States has increased pressure on Cuba. This followed action against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who had been a key supplier of oil to the island.

The US cut off Venezuelan oil shipments and warned of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba. These steps have worsened the country’s already fragile power system and contributed to widespread blackouts.

Protests Erupt Across Cuba

Public anger has grown as daily life becomes more difficult. In the city of Moron, protesters attacked a local office of the ruling Communist Party.

Authorities said five people were arrested after demonstrators damaged the building and set furniture on fire. Reports also said protesters threw stones at government facilities, including a pharmacy and a state-run market.

In the capital, Havana, people are facing long hours without electricity. Students at the University of Havana have also staged protests due to disruptions in their studies caused by frequent power cuts.

Economy Under Pressure

Cuba’s economic situation has worsened alongside the energy crisis. The country has not received oil imports since early January, putting heavy pressure on its power sector.

This shortage has also forced airlines to reduce flights, dealing a blow to the tourism industry, which is crucial for the economy.

In response, Cuban authorities have introduced measures to ease the situation. A senior official announced that Cuban expatriates can now invest in and own businesses in the country.

Foreign Trade Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva said, “Cuba is open to having a fluid commercial relationship with US companies” and “also with Cubans residing in the United States and their descendants.”

Crisis Deepens Amid Tensions

Overall, Cuba is facing a deepening crisis marked by power shortages, economic hardship, and public unrest. At the same time, tensions with the United States remain high.

As the situation continues to evolve, uncertainty surrounds both the country’s stability and its future relations with Washington.