In a forceful declaration Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba would stop immediately and pressed the Cuban government to negotiate before conditions worsen. The statements, shared on Truth Social, follow last week’s U.S. operation in Venezuela that captured President Nicolás Maduro-an event that has disrupted long-standing ties between Havana and Caracas.
Trump emphasized that decades of Venezuelan crude and financial support to Cuba have ended. “For years, Cuba has depended on oil and money from Venezuela,” he wrote. “Those days are over. There will be no further deliveries-zero oil, zero funds. If Cuba wants to move forward, they need to make a deal before it’s too late.”
While outlining his stance, Trump did not detail the terms Cuba would need to meet or the specific consequences should Havana refuse to engage in negotiations. He defended the decision by asserting that Venezuela no longer requires protection from external forces, because the U.S. military now guarantees regional security.
Fallout from Venezuelan Operation and Impact on Havana
The ultimatum comes in the aftermath of a U.S. special forces mission on January 3 that resulted in Maduro’s capture in Caracas. Cuban authorities say 32 of their nationals-part of Maduro’s protective detail-were killed during the operation. Venezuela had been supplying Cuba with about 35,000 barrels of oil each day, a lifeline for the island nation’s energy needs.
Recent shipping manifests show no oil leaving Venezuelan ports for Cuba, and the U.S. has increased seizures of tankers suspected of carrying sanctioned Venezuelan fuel to the island. A fifth vessel was reportedly seized last Friday, further straining Cuba’s already fragile energy infrastructure.
Cuba Rejects Ultimatum, Asserts Sovereignty
Cuban officials reacted sharply to Trump’s announcement. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez insisted that Cuba retains the sovereign right to import fuel from any willing partner “without subordination to unilateral U.S. sanctions.” He also denied that the island ever received material compensation for security work abroad.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel reacted on social media, asserting that no foreign power would dictate Cuba’s actions. “We stand ready to defend our homeland with unwavering resolve,” he said, also criticizing the United States for prioritizing economic interests in international affairs.
U.S. Officials Signal Continued Pressure
Although Trump has suggested that invading Cuba is unnecessary and that the regime could collapse on its own, other U.S. leaders have indicated a hard line. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Cuban authorities that their situation is precarious. In South Florida, Republican members of Congress applauded Trump’s firm approach toward Havana, suggesting that the isolation of the Cuban government could hasten political change.
Broader Regional Strategy and Online Banter
Trump’s Cuba policy reflects a broader push to reassert U.S. influence in Latin America under a revitalized foreign policy narrative. Social media buzz has surrounded a viral meme positioning Rubio-a son of Cuban exiles-as if he were destined to lead Cuba, a notion Trump amplified with a light-hearted repost.
In addition to Cuba, the administration has sanctioned leaders in Colombia and pressed Mexico on addressing cartel violence, including an offer of U.S. military support rejected by Mexican officials.
Escalating Regional Tensions
Tensions continue to escalate. The U.S. State Department has warned American citizens in Venezuela to depart immediately, citing reports that armed pro-government groups are setting up checkpoints and detaining foreigners. Meanwhile, officials in Caracas and Washington are reportedly negotiating a tentative agreement for Venezuela to supply U.S. refineries with up to 50 million barrels of oil, with revenues held under U.S. oversight-a development that could reshape energy ties and diplomatic relations.
Venezuelan authorities dismissed the travel warning, terming it based on unfounded claims.
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