Cuba’s government has firmly pushed back against President Donald Trump’s demand that the island nation “make a deal” with Washington, following his announcement that Venezuelan oil and financial support would be redirected to the United States. President Miguel Díaz-Canel wrote on X Sunday, “No one dictates what we do,” signaling defiance in the face of mounting pressure.
Trump’s warning came after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, with Trump claiming Venezuela would transfer 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. “Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE!” Trump posted on Truth Social. He added, “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO!” but did not specify the terms of a potential deal.
Cuban officials disputed the U.S. portrayal. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez insisted that Cuba maintains an “absolute right” to import fuel from economic partners without interference. He called the Trump administration’s claims “criminal” and accused the United States of threatening peace in the hemisphere. Díaz-Canel also rejected accusations of external influence, stating, “Cuba does not aggress; it is aggressed upon by the United States for 66 years, and it does not threaten; it prepares, ready to defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood.”
The Cuban government confirmed that 32 of its citizens were killed during U.S. operations targeting Maduro. Despite Trump claiming to be “talking to Cuba,” Díaz-Canel said there have been no government-to-government negotiations, only “technical contacts” related to migration issues. He stressed the need for discussions to be based on “sovereign equality, mutual respect, principles of International Law, reciprocal benefit without interference in internal affairs.”
Trump’s stance has been influenced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a prominent advocate of regime change in Cuba. Rubio, son of Cuban immigrants, has long pushed for stronger U.S. pressure on the communist government. Washington has historically sought to reshape Cuba’s socialist system, which has operated under a one-party structure since 1961.
Residents in Havana expressed mixed reactions to the potential loss of Venezuelan oil. Paola Perez told Reuters that Cuba would be “affected, quite a lot,” but said the U.S. could not simply take control of the island. Luis Alberto Jimenez said he was unafraid, noting, “We are prepared for anything, any situation that may arise.” Others, like Maria Elena Sabina, highlighted immediate hardships, noting shortages of electricity, gas, and fuel, and urged authorities to take swift action.
With the U.S. moving to cut Havana off from a crucial source of energy and financial support, the standoff underscores a growing confrontation between the United States and Cuba, raising questions about how the Caribbean nation will navigate its economic and political future.
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