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In a fiery statement, US President Donald Trump has urged Cuba to "make a deal" or see oil supplies from Venezuela cut off. This comes as the Trump administration intensifies its focus on Cuba following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela, a key ally of Cuba, has been supplying around 35,000 barrels of oil daily to the island.

The situation escalated after US forces seized Maduro in a raid in Caracas on 3 January.

Responding to Trump's remarks, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez asserted Cuba's right to import fuel without US interference, while President Miguel Diaz-Canel boldly declared that "no one dictates what we do." The Trump administration's actions have already exacerbated Cuba's fuel and electricity issues, with the seizure of a fifth oil tanker carrying Venezuelan oil on Friday.

In his message on Truth Social, Trump made it clear that Cuban support for Venezuela's past regimes will no longer yield oil and financial benefits. However, Trump did not elaborate on the potential consequences Cuba might face. Rodriguez stressed Cuba's right to independently import fuel and rejected any form of US coercion.

Cuba has historically provided security services to Maduro, a relationship that has resulted in casualties during the US raid, which left 32 Cubans dead. Trump underscored that Venezuela now has US military support, stating it no longer needs Cuban protection. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signalled looming trouble for Cuban leaders, suggesting potential challenges ahead.

Diaz-Canel criticised those who turn politics into businesses, while Trump revived the "Monroe Doctrine" for modern times, dubbing it the "Donroe Doctrine." As US foreign policy increasingly targets Latin American leaders with ideological differences, Trump has hinted at possible actions against other countries in the region, further straining diplomatic relations, reported the BBC.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump warns Cuba about losing the Venezuelan oil supply, urging a deal.

• Cuban leaders assert independence and the right to import fuel amid US pressure.

• Tensions heighten, reflecting shifting US foreign policy in Latin America.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-12

 

 

Yes, let's return Cuba to the good old days under USA supported Batista ... which is why Castro's appeal was followed ... Will the Godfathers return to run the casinos?

The “Make a Deal or Else” is now an overused statement by him. His masters have ordered attacks on numerous countries which he’s obligingly carrying them out. In return he gets money and a massage to his ego.

All this coming from a guy who promised to end foreign adventurism and overseas wars.

Can we even count the number of nations he's either bombed, invaded, or threatened so far?

There's one thing you can count on with Trump, and that is if he makes a promise he will break it, that is a certainty.

Personally I’ve always thought we should have normalized relations with Cuba long ago.especially since Castro kicked the bucket.the Cuban people will ditch communism rite quick after exposure to a free market.guess old Donnie is trying to do what Obama did but with threats ….kinda like with a stick instead of a carrot.either was they are our close neighbors good relations would be beneficial to both countries.

I am so sick of Trump's bullying threats to allies and foes. Do it macho man. Go start unpopular wars and let see how the people of America will raise up against his unprovoked, erratic and implusive behavior of a demented mad man.

Is anyone safe from this clearly unhinged dictator?

77 million Americans voted for this madman. Just saying.

There is not one day going by without some kind of rage or threat directed at someone, or another country. Trump has lost it completely.

Well, he never had it in the first place. Are there no grown-ups left in the White House?

His daily descent into madness is both terrifyingand amazing to behold.

Donald Trump is unwell.

Release the Epstein files.

trump is getting far to head strong about what he thinks he can do to other countries he either has issues with, or have something he wants. At some stage he’s going to step on the wrong toes of others who’re involved. Despite him stupidly thinking Putin and Xi “like him” they won’t think twice about reacting should he impede their own business dealings. He has the potential to put American lives at further risk, despite how he’s already making things harder for so many already. And of course all this bravado BS is to divert attention away from that along with his desperation to stop more information about Epstein and his pedo pals, who he’s trying to protect, from being identified and the high powered roles they hold.

4 hours ago, thaibreaker said:

77 million Americans voted for this madman. Just saying.

There is not one day going by without some kind of rage or threat directed at someone, or another country. Trump has lost it completely.

Well, he never had it in the first place. Are there no grown-ups left in the White House?

I don't think there are. Certainly no evidence of it.

Cubs is a sovereign country. They can import oil from whoever they like.

Venezuela is also a sovereign country, they can sell oil to whoever they like.

You Tube is going Insane with all the negitivity against tump and his cronies, really feel sorry for the yanks !!! there will be a civil war there soon. unless some body shoots him again

President OR Mafia Don?

15 minutes ago, JAG said:

Cubs is a sovereign country. They can import oil from whoever they like.

Venezuela is also a sovereign country, they can sell oil to whoever they like.

Yes, they are, but when a maniac becomes leader of the most powerful military in the World there is not a lot can be done to save Humanity.

Just now, Jeff the Chef said:

Yes, they are, but when a maniac becomes leader of the most powerful military in the World there is not a lot can be done to save Humanity.

True, true!

Isnt it about time, soldiers start thinking and resign from USA military?

2 reasons:

• The main reason is likely the Latino vote in the US,

• The other possible reason is the huge potential for building tourism infrastructures in Cuba

In the anti Trump rush, let's just not forget that all the Venezuelan or Cuban refugees in the USA are applauding Trump who is their hero.

11 hours ago, MikeandDow said:

You Tube is going Insane with all the negitivity against tump and his cronies, really feel sorry for the yanks !!! there will be a civil war there soon. unless some body shoots him again

His dementia is worsening. That might be the only thing that could save the country. You can see it when he speaks now. Listen for him to pause to slurp up excess saliva. That's caused by a weakening of the swallowing mechanism, which is caused by frontal lobe dementia.

A common cause of death among people with that type of dementia is pneumonia, which is caused by aspirating food and bacteria into the lungs. So the hero of the story might be a McDonald's quarter pounder.

Hope Mr Turmp and his team will also improve the food situation in Cuba. Ugghh!

Meanwhile, Trumpsky hitting homers again with his order for credit card interest to max at 10%.

Win for the American consumers.

Won't be long before Levi's is back too.

👍

15 hours ago, SingAPorn said:

In the anti Trump rush, let's just not forget that all the Venezuelan or Cuban refugees in the USA are applauding Trump who is their hero.

Not those who have lost their legal status after Trump cancelled the Venezuelan TPS! 😅

https://www.visaverge.com/news/venezuelan-immigrants-leave-u-s-as-tps-expiration-takes-effect

6 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Hope Mr Turmp and his team will also improve the food situation in Cuba. Ugghh!

Meanwhile, Trumpsky hitting homers again with his order for credit card interest to max at 10%.

Win for the American consumers.

Won't be long before Levi's is back too.

👍

When did Trump issue an order about a credit card interest limit? 😅