Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump suggested that Cuba could become the next major focus of his administration’s Western Hemisphere strategy, saying it is possible the island nation could follow a path similar to recent U.S. efforts involving Venezuela.
In an interview with Axios, the president was asked whether a Cuba initiative could unfold in a manner comparable to the administration’s actions toward Venezuela.
“Possibly. It’s possible,” he replied.
The president emphasized the geographic importance of both nations, contrasting them with conflicts and diplomatic challenges elsewhere in the world.
“These places are close by. Whereas if you look at Iran, that’s a very long trip,” President Trump said. “Venezuela is relatively close and Cuba is a hopscotch.”
The president also highlighted what he sees as a key distinction between the two countries.
“Venezuela has oil. Cuba doesn’t,” he said, while noting that Cuba possesses attractive coastal areas and strategic location advantages.
The remarks come as the administration continues shaping its Latin America policy following significant developments involving Venezuela earlier this year.
President Trump indicated that Cuba is interested in improving relations with the United States and suggested that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would likely play a central role in any future discussions.
Rubio, whose family emigrated from Cuba, has long been one of Washington’s most outspoken critics of the communist government in Havana. Throughout his political career, he has advocated maintaining pressure on both Cuba and Venezuela while supporting pro-democracy movements across the region.
President Trump did not provide details about what a potential Cuba initiative would involve or whether formal negotiations are currently underway. However, his comments suggest the administration views Cuba and Venezuela as connected pieces of a regional strategy focused on diplomacy, economic pressure and political reform in the Western Hemisphere.
For now, no official talks have been announced, but President Trump’s remarks signal that Cuba could become an increasingly important foreign policy issue for the administration in the months ahead.