Onboard Air Force One: President Trump Optimistic About a Deal with Cuba
While traveling on Air Force One to Florida, President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the United States could strike a deal with Cuba. His remarks came shortly after he threatened to impose tariffs on any nation that provides oil to the island.
Trump emphasized the importance of Cuba entering negotiations with the U.S., stating, “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis.” He suggested that Cuba is facing significant challenges, saying, “They have no money. They have no oil. They relied heavily on support from Venezuela, but that help has dwindled.”
In recent years, Venezuela was Cuba’s largest oil supplier, providing about a third of its daily requirements. However, this supply has been severely affected by U.S. sanctions, which have tightened since before the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Additionally, in January, reports indicated that Mexico, which became Cuba’s main oil supplier after Venezuela stopped shipments in December, was reconsidering its oil exports due to concerns about potential retaliation from the U.S.
Trump concluded that, given the dire situation in Cuba, it might be in their best interest to negotiate with the United States to alleviate the ongoing challenges they are facing.
