'It's possible': Trump hints Cuba could face Maduro's fate as US eyes Havana

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump reminded everyone about the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, as he discussed the future of Cuba, indicating that the communist-run island might face a similar fate.

US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, during a targeted military raid in Caracas under 'Operation Absolute Resolve' earlier this year.

Trump says Cuba could mirror Venezuela scenario

During an interview with Axios published on Friday, June 19, Trump was asked whether Cuba could face a military operation similar to what occurred in Venezuela earlier this year.  

Responding to a question, Trump suggested that Cuba could follow a path similar to Venezuela, saying such a scenario is "possible" as his administration continues to shape its policy toward the communist-run island.

"Possibly. It's possible," Trump said.

Trump said Cuba and Venezuela are located near the United States, making them different from foreign policy challenges like Iran, which is much farther away.

"These places are close by. Whereas if you look at Iran, that's a very long trip," Trump said. "Venezuela is relatively close, and Cuba is a hopscotch."

During the interview, Trump underscored that both countries have huge differences in terms of “natural resources.”

"Venezuela has oil. Cuba doesn't," he said. "Cuba has a nice property, and they have nice shoreline," Trump said.

Marco Rubio expected to lead future Cuba talks

The remark comes amid President Donald Trump’s indication that Havana might be interested in improving its relationship with Washington.  

"Cuba wants to talk very badly," he said, adding that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would likely play a leading role in any future discussions.

"We're going to have Marco get involved," Trump said.

Rubio, a Latin American, has been a staunch critic of the Cuban government and one of the administration's most influential voices on Latin American policy.

Trump comment fuels Marco Rubio succession speculation

According to an upcoming book by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, 'Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump', Trump may have offered his clearest hint yet about who he wants to carry the MAGA movement forward after he leaves office.

The moment reportedly came after Trump had finished redecorating the Oval Office with gold-colored embellishments and decorative touches. According to the book, some of the decorations were even attached using super glue.

During a conversation about whether a future president might remove the gilded additions, someone asked Trump if he worried that the next occupant of the Oval Office would undo his design choices.

"Cubans love gold," he reportedly replied.

The comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Rubio, whose parents immigrated to the United States from Cuba before Fidel Castro took over in 1959.