Trump touts a 'new dawn' for Cuba following success of Venezuela operation

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: President Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance and signaled the possibility of future policy actions involving Cuba as tensions between the two countries escalate. His remarks came during an address at a Turning Point USA event on Friday, April 17, in Phoenix, Arizona.

These warnings come amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran following six weeks of intense fighting and a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on February 28, targeting Iran’s political and military leadership after nuclear negotiations collapsed.

Trump signals action on Cuba while touting the US military's strength

In his address, Trump began by praising the US armed forces, citing unprecedented recruitment levels. He stated that “every branch of our armed forces is setting new recruitment records,” attributing this to a renewed sense of pride in what he described as the “greatest military the world has ever seen.”

He also referenced a US military operation involving former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, “In January, our warriors flew straight into the heart of the Venezuelan capital, captured the outlaw dictator Nicholas Maduro, and brought him to face American justice, which is what he's doing right now.”

Turning to Cuba, Trump suggested, "very soon, this great strength will also bring about a day, 70 years in waiting. It's called 'A New Dawn for Cuba.' We're going to help them out with Cuba."

He also noted the presence of the Cuban diaspora in the US, particularly in Miami, and spoke about their experiences of repression under Cuba’s governance: "We have a lot of great Cuban Americans.” Trump then linked his foreign policy approach to domestic energy expansion, reiterating the phrase “Drill, baby, drill,” as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on adversarial nations.

Earlier in the week, Trump indicated that his administration could shift focus toward Cuba after the Iran conflict concludes. He also stated on April 13 that the US “may stop by Cuba,” adding that he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba, in some form,” and asserting, “I think I can do anything I want with it.”

Cuba responds as Pentagon plans and diplomatic efforts emerge

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded by warning against potential US military aggression, stating that while Cuba does not seek conflict, it is prepared to defend itself. He referenced April 16, 1961, as a historical moment requiring similar readiness, emphasizing the country’s obligation to confront serious threats if necessary.

Recent reports indicate that the Pentagon is ramping up contingency planning for a potential operation in the Caribbean nation, pending presidential authorization. According to sources cited by USA TODAY, these preparations are part of escalating tensions that began in January when the Trump administration restricted oil shipments to Cuba.

The Pentagon stated it routinely prepares for a range of scenarios and remains ready to execute presidential directives. Initial reports of these plans surfaced on Zeteo’s Substack and circulated widely across Washington and Capitol Hill.

Despite rising tensions, both the US and Cuba have acknowledged early-stage discussions aimed at resolving the crisis. In March, reports indicated that the two countries were exploring a potential economic agreement that could improve relations, although the extent of mutual compromise remains uncertain.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Trump, has described Cuba’s government as "ineffective" and "abusive." Diaz-Canel rejected these characterizations, asserting, "Cuba is not a failed state. Cuba is a besieged state. Cuba is a state facing multidimensional aggression: economic warfare, an intensified blockade and an energy blockade." 

"Cuba is a threatened state that does not surrender. And despite everything. And thanks to socialism. Cuba is a state that resists, creates, and make no mistake, a state that will prevail," he added.