Trump jokes about ‘taking over’ Cuba ‘almost immediately’ in Florida speech
WASHINGTON, DC: Addressing a gathering at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches in Florida on Friday, May 1, President Donald Trump hinted at taking over Cuba with a hint of humor. Trump said that the US would be “taking over” Cuba “almost immediately.”
Trump affirms to 'finish a job' in Cuba
"Cuba’s got problems. We’ll finish one first. I like to finish a job,” he said. Progressing his speech, Trump talked about plans after pulling out of Iran.
"On the way back from Iran, we’ll have one of our big — maybe the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, the biggest in the world," he said.
"We’ll have that come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they’ll say, ‘Thank you very much, we give up.’"
However, the president didn’t talk about the plans for Cuba further in his speech.
The statement follows similar remarks in March when Trump said he could do “anything” with Cuba as the Island “sees the end.”
Trump said, ‘Cuba sees the end’
Over a month ago, during a White House briefing on Monday, March 16, Donald Trump had said that “Cuba sees the end,” suggesting the nation is on the edge of a collapse.
Talking at length about the situation in Cuba, Trump highlighted that the Island faces total blackout and severe fuel shortage, stating that he will have the “honor of taking Cuba” and can do “anything I want with it” to resolve the crisis.
Addressing the long-standing history between the two nations, Trump said, “I think Cuba sees the end. All my life I’ve been hearing about the United States and Cuba. When will the United States do it? I do believe I’ll be the honor of — having the honor of taking Cuba, it's a big honor.”
Trump said he could do ‘anything’ with Cuba
During the briefing, when asked to clarify what he meant by “taking” the nation, which has had its current form of government since 1959, Donald Trump did not soften his stance and said multiple options were on the table.
He said the US could intervene “in some form,” adding that the country is currently in a vulnerable position.
Explaining further, Trump said, “Whether I free it or take it, I think I can do anything I want with it, to be honest. They are a very weakened nation right now, and they have been for a long time.”
Cuba battles with severe instability following the government change in Venezuela.
Cuba battles with crisis following Operation Absolute Resolve
Cuba is currently battling with one of the worst energy and economic crises following the Operation Resolve in Venezuela, capturing its president, Nicolas Maduro.
The current instability in Cuba follows a government change in Venezuela earlier this year.
By restricting the flow of oil and financial resources from Venezuela, the US effectively reduced Cuba's primary economic support, leading to the most severe shortages the island has seen in decades.
President Trump attributed the current crisis to these policy decisions, explaining that the situation resulted from focused diplomatic and economic pressure.
“It’s because of my intervention, intervention that is happening,” Trump said.
