Fresh off Truth Social, Donald Trump unleashed a blistering ultimatum to Cuba, vowing to slash its Venezuela-sourced lifelines unless it cuts a deal pronto. ‘Lifeline from Venezuela being CUT. Make deal with USA before too late. ZERO! ZERO oil, ZERO money!’ he posted, doubling down: ‘Advise deal before too late.’
Decoding the stakes: Cuba’s economy teeters on Venezuelan oil imports and cash infusions, lifelines strained by U.S. sanctions over generations. U.S. grip on Venezuelan exports now enables this chokehold effortlessly.
Trump spotlighted Marco Rubio for a starring role, reposting a user’s cheeky claim: ‘Marco Rubio will be President of Cuba ??.’ His endorsement? ‘I like that!’ Rubio’s Cuban parentage positions him as a symbolic enforcer.
This blend of threat and fantasy post paints U.S. ambitions starkly—oust the old guard, install compliance. The originating post from obscure conservative Cliff Smith adds viral flair to diplomacy.
As Cuba grapples with blackouts and scarcity, Trump’s words land like thunder. History shows U.S.-Cuba friction endures, but this ‘zero’ era could accelerate change. Allies like Venezuela falter, leaving Havana exposed. The clock ticks toward potential talks or turmoil.