Trump says U.S. in talks with Cuba; suggests possible deal

President Trump suggested a potential agreement with Cuba, pointing to the country’s economic collapse and the loss of Venezuelan support.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Cuba is “a failing nation” that no longer has Venezuela “to prop it up,” adding that the United States is talking to “the highest people in Cuba.”

“I think we are going to make a deal with Cuba,” Trump added, without providing details on the nature of any potential agreement.

The remarks come days after Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency over what he described as an extraordinary threat posed by the Cuban government.

The order authorizes the imposition of tariffs on goods imported into the United States from any country that directly or indirectly sells or provides oil to Cuba.

In the order, Trump accused Cuba’s government of supporting hostile foreign powers and transnational militant groups and of hosting advanced foreign intelligence capabilities. He also cited alleged human rights abuses, political repression, and censorship.

The order followed Trump’s recent statements that Cuba’s government is nearing collapse after the loss of foreign oil and financial support following a U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Cuba has long depended on imported oil to sustain its power grid and economy. That support narrowed further after Mexico confirmed it has stopped shipping oil to the island.