U.S. looking for Cuban government insiders in pursuit of regime change – WSJ

The Trump administration is looking for Cuban government insiders willing to cut a deal to push the country’s Communist leadership out of power by the end of the year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing officials, that the Trump administration believes Cuba’s economy is close to collapse and that the government has been significantly weakened since losing Venezuela’s Maduro as a regional ally.

U.S. officials told the Journal they have used meetings with Cuban exiles and civic groups in Miami and Washington to identify potential individuals inside the government, a tactic they also used in the operation that led to Maduro’s capture.

Cuba has relied heavily on subsidized oil from Venezuela. U.S. officials said Washington intends to cut off that supply, which they said has kept Cuba’s power grid operating.

Mexico has also been supplying oil to Cuba, providing an alternative source of fuel as the island faces mounting energy shortages. President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday the shipments will continue as a matter of state policy and historical solidarity.

“If Mexico can help generate better conditions for Cuba, we will always be there,” Sheinbaum said.