By Micah Jonah, February 28, 2026
US President, Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could pursue what he described as a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, amid escalating tensions and a tightening US fuel blockade on the island.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Marine One at the White House, Trump claimed Cuban officials were in talks with Washington, facing severe economic strain. “Maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba,” he said, adding that Secretary of State, Marco Rubio was handling discussions “at a very high level.”
Mounting economic pressure:
The US has maintained a trade embargo on Cuba since the 1960s, but tensions have intensified in recent months. In January, Trump halted Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba and later threatened tariffs on countries supplying fuel to the island. The move has deepened Cuba’s energy crisis, raising fears of humanitarian collapse.
The United Nations has warned that prolonged fuel shortages could severely affect essential services, while UN human rights experts criticised the blockade as a form of unilateral economic coercion under international law.
Expansionist rhetoric:
Trump’s remarks align with his broader foreign policy messaging since returning to office in 2025, in which he has pledged to expand US influence in the Western Hemisphere. He has referenced doctrines such as the Monroe Doctrine and described the US as a “growing nation.”
Cuban President, Miguel Diaz-Canel has condemned Washington’s actions as imperialist, vowed to defend the country’s sovereignty. Havana has repeatedly accused the US of attempting to destabilize its government through economic pressure.
While Washington has announced limited humanitarian aid through third-party organisations, analysts warn that further escalation could worsen migration flows and regional instability.
For now, diplomatic rhetoric continues to sharpen, with both sides signalling little sign of compromise despite talk of negotiations.
