Trump’s Ultimatum to Cuba: ‘No More Oil or Money’ Unless a Deal Is Struck

‘No more oil or money’: Trump issues ultimatum to Cuba; suggests making deal

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In a characteristically forceful statement that has reignited debate over US policy toward the island nation, former President Donald Trump has issued a stark Trump ultimatum to Cuba. In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, he declared in all capital letters: “THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE” . This isn’t just tough talk; it’s a direct threat aimed at severing the critical economic lifeline between Cuba and Venezuela, and it comes with a surprising political twist involving Senator Marco Rubio.

Trump’s Blunt Warning to Havana

The core of Trump’s message is an economic chokehold. He claims that recent US actions have already devastated Cuba’s economy, leaving it with virtually no income . By promising to cut off the flow of both Venezuelan oil and any associated financial transactions, Trump is attempting to leverage maximum pressure on the Cuban regime. His language is unambiguous and urgent, framing the situation as a final opportunity for negotiation before the full weight of American sanctions crashes down . This approach is classic Trump: a high-pressure tactic designed to force a concession through the threat of overwhelming economic pain.

The Venezuela-Cuba Lifeline

To understand the potency of this threat, one must grasp the deep economic symbiosis between Caracas and Havana. For years, Venezuela, under the late Hugo Chávez and his successor Nicolás Maduro, has been Cuba’s primary benefactor. In exchange for tens of thousands of Cuban doctors, teachers, and intelligence personnel, Venezuela has supplied Cuba with heavily subsidized oil—often estimated at over 50,000 barrels per day at its peak . This arrangement has been the bedrock of Cuba’s ability to function despite the long-standing US embargo. Cutting this lifeline would plunge the already struggling Cuban economy into a far deeper crisis, potentially triggering widespread social unrest.

Why Now? The Timing of Trump’s Ultimatum

The timing of this statement is not coincidental. It follows reports of the US government seizing Venezuela-linked oil tankers and taking executive action to control funds from Venezuelan oil sales held in US accounts [[5], [6]]. Trump appears to be positioning himself as the architect of a successful strategy to isolate both Maduro’s Venezuela and its key ally, Cuba. By claiming credit for these actions, he reinforces his narrative of being a strong, effective leader on the world stage—a key theme for his potential 2028 presidential campaign. This move also serves to rally his base, particularly the influential Cuban-American community in Florida, who have long advocated for a hardline stance against the Castro regime.

Marco Rubio and the Future of Cuba

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising element of Trump’s statement was his response to a suggestion about Cuba’s political future. When someone proposed that Senator Marco Rubio, a prominent Cuban-American Republican known for his fierce anti-Castro stance, could lead Cuba, Trump responded positively . While likely not a formal policy proposal, this comment is highly symbolic. It signals a desire for a complete regime change in Havana, not just a negotiated settlement. Rubio, who served as Trump’s Secretary of State in this hypothetical scenario mentioned in the report , represents the most hawkish wing of the Republican Party on Cuba policy. Endorsing him, even in jest, underscores Trump’s commitment to a policy of maximum pressure aimed at toppling the current government.

Historical Context: US-Cuba Relations Under Trump

This latest outburst fits squarely within Trump’s established policy framework. During his first term, he systematically rolled back the diplomatic and economic openings initiated by the Obama administration. His administration reinstated stringent travel restrictions, banned most US business transactions with Cuban military-controlled entities, and allowed US citizens to sue foreign companies operating on confiscated property in Cuba under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act . The current ultimatum is a natural extension of that hardline approach, taking it to its logical, and most aggressive, conclusion.

What a New Deal Could Look Like

While Trump demands a “deal,” he hasn’t specified its terms. However, based on his past actions and statements, we can infer the likely non-negotiables from the US side:

  • Democratic Reforms: A clear path toward free and fair elections and the release of political prisoners.
  • End to Support for Venezuela: A complete severing of Cuba’s security and intelligence support for the Maduro regime.
  • Compensation for Confiscated Property: A framework to address the claims of Americans whose properties were seized after the 1959 revolution.
  • Reduction of Military Ties with Adversaries: A commitment to end military cooperation with nations like Russia and China [INTERNAL_LINK:us-china-cuba-triangle].

For the Cuban government, accepting such terms would be tantamount to surrender, making a genuine deal highly improbable without a significant internal shift in Havana.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble

Donald Trump’s Trump ultimatum to Cuba is a high-stakes gamble that blends economic coercion with a call for regime change. By threatening to cut off the vital Venezuelan oil supply, he aims to create an existential crisis for the Cuban government. While this strategy may resonate with his political base and align with his “America First” doctrine, its success is far from guaranteed. It risks further impoverishing the Cuban people without necessarily weakening the regime’s grip on power. As the 2028 election cycle heats up, this bold move serves as a clear signal of Trump’s unwavering, and uncompromising, foreign policy vision for the Western Hemisphere.

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