Trump Threatens Action Against Cuba Amid Worsening Power Crisis

Donald Trump has threatened to “take over” Cuba as the island nation plunges into darkness due to a severe nationwide power crisis, reportedly exacerbated by strict U.S. oil sanctions.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said, “I believe the honor of taking Cuba will be mine. Whether I liberate it or take it over—frankly, I can do whatever I want. They are a very weak country right now.”

The remarks mark one of his clearest threats yet regarding Cuba.

At the same time, the Caribbean island of approximately 9.6 million people has been hit by another major blackout. The state-run Unión Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) said the crisis was caused by a complete shutdown of the national power grid, adding that restoration efforts are underway.

Cuba’s aging power infrastructure has been struggling for years, with some regions experiencing up to 20 hours of electricity outages daily.

The situation has reportedly worsened since the fall of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3, a key ally of Cuba. Since then, the Trump administration has effectively enforced an oil blockade. No oil shipments have arrived on the island since January 9, crippling the energy sector and forcing airlines to reduce flights—dealing a major blow to the tourism industry.

In an effort to ease economic pressure, Cuban officials announced new measures allowing expatriate Cubans to invest in and own businesses in the country. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva said Cuba is open to building transparent commercial relations with U.S. companies and Cuban nationals living abroad.

According to reports by The New York Times, officials in the Trump administration have also signaled a desire to remove Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel from power.

Meanwhile, public frustration is rising amid shortages of food, medicine, and other essentials. Protests have intensified, including a rare violent incident in which demonstrators vandalized a provincial office of the Communist Party.

In the eastern city of Morón, with a population of around 70,000, authorities arrested 14 people following such unrest, according to state newspaper Invasor.

Responding to the unrest in a post on X, Díaz-Canel acknowledged public frustration over prolonged blackouts but condemned violence as “unacceptable.”

Due to the fuel crisis, the government has rationed gasoline, and some hospitals have been forced to limit services.

Díaz-Canel confirmed last week that discussions had taken place with the United States. Trump, however, claimed that Cuba poses an “extraordinary threat” to the U.S., justifying the sanctions.

On Sunday, Trump said Cuba is seeking a deal, adding that an agreement could come quickly once the war with Iran ends. “We will either reach a deal very soon, or we will do what needs to be done,” he said.