President Trump Says US to Hold Talks With Cuba

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States will begin talks with Cuba, signaling a possible shift in tensions between Washington and the communist-ruled island amid a worsening fuel and economic crisis in Havana.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Cuba as “a failed country” and said the island was seeking American assistance.

“Cuba is asking for help, and we are going to talk!!!” Trump wrote, without providing further details about the discussions or any potential agreements.

The announcement comes after months of mounting pressure on Cuba following Washington’s crackdown on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, one of Havana’s closest allies. The US has tightened sanctions and restricted fuel shipments to the island, contributing to severe shortages and rolling blackouts across Cuba.

Earlier this month, Trump sparked controversy after suggesting the United States could be “taking over” Cuba “almost immediately” during remarks at a Florida event. He also joked about deploying a US aircraft carrier near the island as a show of force.

Trump has repeatedly hinted at the possibility of what he previously called a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, claiming senior US officials were already engaged in high-level discussions with Havana.

Cuban officials have condemned recent US rhetoric and sanctions, accusing Washington of escalating tensions and worsening the island’s humanitarian situation. Havana has rejected suggestions of surrendering sovereignty while warning against any form of military intimidation.