Trump Pressures Havana After Venezuela Upheaval, Urges Rapid Talks with Washington

US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Cuba, urging its leadership to quickly reach an agreement with Washington after announcing that the Caribbean nation will no longer receive oil or financial support from Venezuela.

The warning followed the recent US military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and removal of long-time president Nicolás Maduro. Trump said the change in Caracas would have immediate consequences for Havana, which for years relied on subsidised Venezuelan oil and close political cooperation.

Claims over oil and security ties

In a message published on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump accused Cuba of having provided security assistance to Venezuelan leaders in exchange for oil and money. He argued that this arrangement had effectively sustained the Cuban economy and said it would now come to an end.

According to Trump, the interruption of Venezuelan supplies leaves Cuba facing a stark choice. He suggested that engaging with the United States sooner rather than later would be in Havana’s interest, warning of repercussions if no deal is reached.

Strong rejection from Havana

Cuba’s government swiftly rejected the allegations. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said Havana had never received payment for any security-related cooperation with other countries and insisted that Cuba conducts its foreign relations independently.

Rodríguez maintained that Cuba has the right to trade with partners of its choosing and should not be pressured into economic agreements through threats or coercion. He framed Washington’s stance as an attempt to impose unilateral conditions and said international law supported Cuba’s position.

Wider regional implications

Trump’s remarks come amid broader signals that his administration is prepared to expand pressure beyond Venezuela. He has publicly indicated that similar measures could be considered against Cuba and other countries in the region, including Colombia and Mexico.

The dispute has added to already strained relations between Washington and Havana, which deteriorated further after the US action in Venezuela. Trump has recently amplified his rhetoric, including sharing provocative social media content suggesting a future political shake-up in Cuba.

Uncertain path forward

For now, it remains unclear how Cuba will respond to the renewed pressure. While the loss of Venezuelan oil represents a serious economic challenge, Cuban officials have emphasised sovereignty and resistance to external demands.

The exchange underscores a rapidly shifting landscape in the Americas following events in Venezuela, with Cuba once again finding itself at the centre of a confrontation with the United States — and facing difficult decisions about its economic and diplomatic future.