US President Donald Trump stated that his administration is in talks with Cuba and asserted the island is in a state of extreme weakness, claiming he might have the "honor of taking Cuba" in some form. These comments coincided with Cuba suffering a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil blockade imposed by Washington since January 9.
Key points
- Trump suggested he could "do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth," referring to Cuba, whether by freeing it or taking it.
- The Cuban government confirmed recent initial talks with the United States.
- Cuba's economic situation has worsened since the US ouster of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, leading to no oil imports since January 9.
- In response to economic pressure, Cuba's Foreign Trade Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva announced exiles can now invest and own businesses on the island.
- The power blackout was attributed to a "complete shutdown of the national grid" by Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE).
Why it matters
The explicit threat by the US President to intervene in Cuba comes as the island faces severe economic hardship, including prolonged power outages, and amid acknowledged diplomatic contact between the two nations.
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