US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States could carry out a “friendly takeover” of Cuba, signaling sharply rising tensions between Washington and Havana.
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Speaking to reporters outside the White House as he left for Texas on Friday, Trump said that “the Cuban government is talking with us” and described the island as being “in a big deal of trouble” economically. He said Cuba currently lacks money and basic resources, and added, “maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba… we could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba.”
Trump did not explain what he meant by a “friendly takeover.” He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was engaged in high-level discussions with Cuban officials, but did not provide details. Cuba has denied that formal, high-level talks with the US government are underway, though informal contacts with some Cuban figures have been reported.
The comments come against the backdrop of worsening tensions in the region following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January during a US military operation. Cuba has long relied on Venezuela for oil and economic support, and the loss of that backing has deepened its economic crisis, which the US has sought to intensify with sanctions and an energy blockade.
In recent days, relations were further strained after a deadly shootout off Cuba’s north coast. Cuban authorities said a Florida-registered speedboat carrying armed Cuban nationals opened fire on border guards, resulting in deaths and injuries; the US is investigating the incident.
Trump characterised Cuba as a “failed nation” that wants US assistance and said that any changes on the island could be “very positive for the people that were expelled, or worse, from Cuba and live here.” He did not clarify how a takeover, friendly or otherwise, would take place or what it would involve.
Cuba’s government has strongly criticised US pressure, calling the continued trade embargo and sanctions a form of collective punishment. Officials have insisted that sovereignty and independence must be respected in any dialogue with Washington.
The idea of a takeover, even if framed as “friendly,” has alarmed diplomats and analysts, since Cuba has been among the US’s most enduring adversaries since the 1960s, and the proposal carries implications for regional stability.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 27 Feb 2026
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