U.S. President Donald Trump gestures, before boarding Air Force One en route to Detroit, Michigan, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., January 13, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
(Washington, DC) – President Donald Trump on Friday raised the possibility of what he described as a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, telling reporters that discussions are taking place at a “very high level.”
Speaking to members of the press as he departed the White House for a trip to Texas, Trump said Cuban officials are currently engaged in talks with the United States.
“The Cuban government is talking with us, and they’re in a big deal of trouble,” Trump said. “They have no money. They have no anything right now, but they’re talking with us, and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba.”
Trump added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is handling the discussions.
“Marco is dealing with it at a very high level,” the president said.
No Formal Details Announced
The White House did not immediately provide additional clarification on what a “friendly takeover” would entail or whether any formal proposal has been presented to Cuban officials.
There has been no official response from the Cuban government as of Friday afternoon.
The remarks represent a significant escalation in rhetoric regarding U.S.-Cuba relations, which have fluctuated in recent years amid sanctions, economic instability on the island, and broader geopolitical tensions in the region.
Cuba’s Economic Struggles
Cuba has been facing ongoing economic hardship marked by fuel shortages, inflation, and limited access to foreign currency. The country has also experienced periodic protests tied to living conditions and government policies.
Trump’s comments appeared to reference those financial challenges.
Whether the president’s remarks signal a concrete diplomatic initiative or were rhetorical in nature remains unclear.
