In a bold move on Truth Social, President Donald Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Cuba, warning the island nation to strike a deal with the United States before it’s too late. The message comes amid escalating tensions over Cuba’s economic lifeline from Venezuela, which Trump claims is now being severed.
Trump posted, ‘Their lifeline from Venezuela is being cut off. Make a deal with the USA, before it’s too late. ZERO! No more oil, no more money—ZERO!’ He followed up with advice: ‘I advise them to make a deal before it’s too late.’
This isn’t mere rhetoric; it’s a direct assault on Cuba’s fragile economy. For decades, Cuba has relied on cheap Venezuelan oil and financial aid to survive U.S. sanctions. Recent developments have handed the U.S. control over Venezuelan oil exports, making it straightforward to choke off supplies to Havana.
Trump’s demands appear clear: regime change or total capitulation. He reposted a January 8 message from user Cliff Smith stating, ‘Marco Rubio will be President of Cuba,’ complete with a laughing-crying emoji. Trump commented, ‘I like that!’
Smith, a self-described ‘Conservative Californian’ with fewer than 500 followers, highlighted Rubio’s Cuban immigrant heritage as ideal for leading the island. Rubio, now Secretary of State, brings personal ties to the issue—born to parents who fled Cuba.
The posts signal a hardening U.S. stance. As Venezuela’s crisis deepens under U.S. pressure, Cuba faces isolation. Will Havana bend, or dig in? Trump’s ‘zero’ policy could push the communist holdout to the brink, reshaping Caribbean geopolitics.