All Eyes on Cuba?
"Before It's Too Late": Trump Issues Ultimatum to Cuba as Venezuelan Oil Tap Runs Dry
Following the US military's capture of Nicolás Maduro, the President warns the communist regime that its economic lifeline has been severed and collapse is imminent
U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Cuba, urging the island nation to forge a deal with the United States immediately following the severance of its critical supply of oil and funding from Venezuela.
The ultimatum comes just over a week after the U.S. military captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on January 3. Following the operation, Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, redirected oil deliveries to the United States, effectively cutting off the supply to Havana.
This geopolitical shift applies immense pressure to the communist-run island. President Trump took to social media to highlight the change, noting that Cuba had survived for years on Venezuelan resources in exchange for providing security services to Venezuelan dictators.
Trump declared that this arrangement has ended, stating that Venezuela now relies on the U.S. military for protection rather than Cuban forces.
"THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA—ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," Trump wrote.
Trump recently remarked to reporters that without its income from Venezuelan oil, "Cuba looks like it is ready to fall".
The economic reality for Cuba is dire.
Between January and November 2025, Venezuela provided an average of 27,000 barrels of oil per day to the island, covering roughly 50 percent of its oil deficit.
While Cuba receives some shipments from Russia and Mexico, the loss of Venezuelan supply is catastrophic for an economy already suffering from routine blackouts and trade sanctions.
Despite the pressure, the regime in Havana remains defiant. Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez responded to the U.S. President by stating that his nation is "ready to defend the Homeland to the last drop of blood" and dismissing critics of the revolution.
However, U.S. intelligence assessments describe a grim domestic situation where the tourism and agriculture industries have been significantly degraded.
Experts warn that the economic desperation and hunger facing the population could lead to a loss of fear and increased unrest on the streets.