Trump Predicts Cuba’s Collapse After Maduro’s Capture
President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Sunday that Cuba is “ready to fall” after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. He noted that Cuba relied heavily on Venezuela for security and oil support, and with Maduro’s ouster, that support is gone.
During a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “I think it’s just going to fall. I don’t think we need any action. Looks like it’s going down.” His comments came after U.S. forces arrested Maduro and his wife on allegations related to a drug trafficking conspiracy.
The operation has sent shockwaves through several countries in the region, prompting Cuban officials to call for public demonstrations in support of Maduro, accusing the U.S. of violating their sovereignty.
U.S. officials claim that Cuban security forces were instrumental in maintaining Maduro’s grip on power. Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that Cuban operatives managed Venezuela’s internal security, including directly protecting Maduro and assessing loyalty within his government.
Cuba has reported that 32 of its military and police personnel were killed during the U.S. operation, marking the first official acknowledgment of casualties from Havana. Cuban state media noted that these officers were deployed at the request of Venezuela, leading to a declared period of mourning.
Trump confirmed the Cuban casualties while heading back to Washington, stating, “A lot of Cubans were killed yesterday. There was a lot of death on the other side. No death on our side.”
In his remarks, Trump also criticized Colombia, alleging that its leadership contributes to drug trafficking to the U.S. “Colombia is very sick, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States,” he said.
Looking ahead to U.S. strategies, Trump hinted that the country is ready to take action against drug trafficking networks operating via land and sea. He emphasized the importance of Greenland in the context of national security, noting increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the region.
With Maduro expected to face court proceedings in New York on Monday, Trump has framed the operation as part of a larger mission to reaffirm U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere, warning that hostile regimes can no longer depend on each other for survival.
