The geopolitical balance in the Caribbean and Latin America has shifted dramatically after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a blunt warning to Cuba: “Make a deal, or face the consequences.”
Following the dramatic fall of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Trump announced that no more Venezuelan oil or financial support would reach the communist-run island nation—an economic lifeline Cuba has depended on for years.
The message was delivered in Trump’s trademark style on Truth Social:
“THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.”
While the president did not specify what kind of “deal” he expects, the implications are clear: Cuba now faces mounting pressure to re-engage diplomatically with Washington or risk deeper economic isolation.
Cuba’s Energy Crisis Deepens After Maduro’s Fall
For decades, Venezuela has been Cuba’s primary oil supplier, sending subsidized fuel in exchange for security assistance and political backing. But that arrangement collapsed after U.S. special forces captured Maduro last week in a high-risk operation that reportedly killed dozens of Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel.
Shipping data confirms that no Venezuelan oil tankers have departed for Cuba since the raid, leaving Havana scrambling for alternatives amid an already severe energy shortage.
Trump intensified the pressure by claiming Cuba’s role in propping up Venezuela’s former leadership is over:
“Cuba lived for years on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, they provided ‘Security Services’ for two dictators – BUT NOT ANYMORE.”
According to Trump, many Cuban personnel involved in Venezuela were killed during the operation, and the country “no longer needs protection from thugs and extortionists.”
U.S. Signals Hardline Stance on Cuba and Venezuela
The president’s comments mark a sharp escalation in U.S. policy toward both Cuba and Venezuela. Trump also reposted a message suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents fled Cuba, could one day become president. His response: “Sounds good to me!”
Meanwhile, Washington and Caracas are negotiating a $2 billion oil supply deal that could send up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude to the United States. The funds would be placed in U.S.-supervised accounts, signaling a cautious but strategic reset in U.S.–Venezuela relations.
This arrangement could further isolate Cuba, which now finds itself cut off from its closest economic ally.
Cuba Pushes Back: “Criminal Behavior” by the U.S.
Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, rejected Trump’s accusations and defended the country’s right to trade freely:
“Cuba has not been compensated for security services to any nation. We have the right to import fuel from any country.”
Rodríguez described Washington’s actions as “criminal” and warned that U.S. interference threatens regional stability.
Despite the rhetoric, Cuba’s deep economic crisis—marked by food shortages, power blackouts, and rising inflation—has fueled speculation that the island could face widespread unrest without Venezuelan support.
Republican Leaders Applaud Trump’s Tough Approach
Several Republican lawmakers praised Trump’s aggressive stance. Florida Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart said the Cuban regime is nearing its end after “decades of misery, tragedy, and pain.”
Political analysts note that Florida’s large Cuban-American population remains a key voter base, making U.S.–Cuba relations a strategic issue ahead of future elections.
U.S. Issues Urgent Warning to Americans in Venezuela
As the region remains volatile, the U.S. State Department has urged all American citizens to leave Venezuela immediately.
According to official alerts, armed pro-regime militias known as colectivos have set up roadblocks, searching vehicles for U.S. citizens or perceived supporters of the opposition.
“Remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution,” the alert warned.
Some international flights have resumed, but officials stress that the security situation remains unpredictable.
Venezuela’s foreign ministry dismissed the warnings as “fabricated,” insisting the country is in “absolute calm, peace, and stability.”
What’s Next for Cuba?
With Venezuelan oil supplies cut off and U.S. pressure mounting, Cuba now faces a critical crossroads. Without external energy support, the island’s fragile economy could deteriorate rapidly, raising the risk of social unrest and political instability.
Trump’s message is clear: change is expected—and soon.
Whether Havana chooses negotiation, resistance, or reform will shape the future of U.S.–Cuba relations and the broader balance of power in the Caribbean.