Washington, June 5: President Donald Trump labeled Cuba a “failed state” on Thursday. He indicated that pressure is mounting on the communist government there. After addressing current issues related to Iran, his administration plans to shift more attention to Cuba.
Trump stated that Cuba’s economic troubles have worsened due to recent changes in Venezuela. For years, Venezuela has provided economic and energy support to Havana.
“This is a failed country,” Trump remarked. “Venezuela helped them for years because they had vast underground resources.”
He noted that Cuba is struggling with an economic crisis and lacks the necessary resources to manage itself.
“The country is battling hunger. It has no energy, no oil, no money, nothing. However, it has very good land,” he added.
When asked if recent sanctions aim to hasten the collapse of the Cuban government, Trump clarified that his intentions are different.
“No, we just want it to be a country that can feed its people and be well-managed,” he stated.
Trump emphasized that Cuba has relied on Venezuelan support for a long time, but circumstances have changed.
“Venezuela used to provide them with money to survive. Now that money, you could say, is coming our way and going to Venezuela,” he explained.
When questioned about Cuba’s potential collapse, Trump suggested that the country’s economic and political systems are already in serious crisis.
“It is almost collapsed. And we will handle it soon,” he said.
Referring to tensions and diplomatic efforts regarding Iran, Trump mentioned, “I like to handle one thing at a time. We will first deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran. After that, we will make a brief stop there.”
He also shared his vision for future U.S.-Cuba relations. Trump expressed a desire for Washington to create conditions that allow Cuban Americans to reconnect with their relatives and invest in Cuba.
“We will treat Cuba well. We will allow our people to return there, and if they wish, they can also invest in Cuba,” he stated.
Trump mentioned having “very good plans” for Cuba. He also highlighted his strong political support among Cuban Americans living in Florida, noting, “95 percent of Cubans voted for me here. They are wonderful people. They have energy and are entrepreneurial.”
These remarks are seen as Trump’s clearest indication in recent months that, following efforts related to Iran and broader Middle Eastern security issues, Cuba may rise in priority within U.S. foreign policy.
Cuba’s economic situation has deteriorated in recent years. Fuel shortages, power outages, inflation, and declining government revenues have deepened the crisis. Many Cubans are seeking better opportunities abroad.
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