Economic Warfare & Trade Policy Sanctions
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Thursday, Nov. 12, that he wants to “get Cuba done” before his term ends in 2029 and would consider a short military operation against the island’s government, CNBC reported.
Related: Trump Pulls Vance Off Iran Talks, Says No Deal Needed.
What Trump said
Trump made the remarks in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. He said he wants the matter settled before he leaves office. He called Cuba a failed state and said his administration is watching Havana very closely.[1]
He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents are from Cuba, would love to do it.[1]
Politico reported that it was the first time Trump has put a timeline on possible military action to remove Cuba’s government, CNBC said.
Cuba’s response
The Cuban Embassy in Washington estimated Thursday that U.S. measures cost the island $8 billion between March 2025 and February 2026. That figure is Cuba’s own and has not been independently confirmed.
The embassy said recent U.S. steps deepen an energy shortage that leaves hospitals without reliable power, and it called the embargo collective punishment of ordinary people.[1]
The pressure campaign
The United States enforces a broad economic embargo on Cuba. Earlier this month the Treasury Department sanctioned Cuban oil tankers and shipping companies and threatened to target foreign firms doing business with the island’s maritime sector.[1]
Cuba has had repeated nationwide blackouts in recent months, along with fuel and food shortages. In May, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said the country had run out of fuel oil and diesel.[1]
Trump has previously spoken of taking over Havana on friendly terms and said the White House could turn to Cuba after the Iran war.[1]
What analysts expect
Analysts have generally doubted that a U.S. military campaign is likely and see more economic pressure as the probable course.[1] No operation has been announced.
More coverage is on our Politics page, and the Economic Warfare Dashboard tracks sanctions.
Sources
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