President Donald Trump said the United States has begun engaging with Cuba, suggesting new talks are underway even as his administration ramps up economic pressure on the communist-run island.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday night while traveling to Florida, Trump offered few details about the outreach but said plainly, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Pressure Through Oil and Trade
The comments come after a series of aggressive moves by Washington aimed at cutting off Cuba’s access to oil. In recent weeks, the Trump administration halted shipments from Venezuela following the ouster of President Nicolás Maduro and moved to restrict supplies from Mexico as well.
This past week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. The move has put particular pressure on Mexico, which became a key oil supplier to the island after Venezuelan shipments were cut.
Trump suggested the tightening squeeze would push Havana toward negotiations. “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Unclear Goals, Sharper Focus on Cuba
While Trump said talks are beginning, he did not explain what the administration hopes to achieve or when contacts with Cuban officials began. Still, his remarks reflect a sharper focus on Cuba after the administration took a more confrontational stance toward US adversaries earlier this year.
Trump has repeatedly predicted that the Cuban government is close to collapse, and on Saturday said he believes a deal is likely. “So Cuba would be free again,” he added, suggesting the US would show flexibility if negotiations move forward. “I think, you know, we’ll be kind.”
Regional Concerns and Warnings
Mexico has pushed back against Washington’s latest measures. President Claudia Sheinbaum warned on Friday that cutting off oil supplies could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Cuba and said her government would look for ways to continue helping the island.
Trump dismissed those concerns, arguing that economic pressure would instead bring Cuban leaders to the table. Whether early contacts turn into formal negotiations remains unclear, but his comments mark a notable shift toward renewed engagement — backed by hardline tactics — after years of strained relations.
