Trump Cuba deal: ‘make a deal before it’s too late’

Trump Cuba deal moved to the forefront on January 11 as the US President urged Havana to “make a deal, before it is too late,” warning that Venezuelan oil and funds to the island would end. The remarks followed the US operation that seized Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro earlier this month.

Trump Cuba deal: what he said

In posts on Truth Social, the President said Cuba had long relied on Venezuelan “OIL and MONEY” and insisted that flow would now be “ZERO.” He did not spell out terms or the consequences of refusing talks. The message framed the moment as a deadline for Havana to negotiate.

Context after the Maduro seizure

Washington captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a January 3 raid in Caracas. The White House portrays the move as a pivot point for regional policy. Officials also referenced Cuba’s historic role providing security personnel to Venezuela’s leadership.

Cuban losses and reactions so far

Cuba has said 32 of its nationals were killed during the Caracas operation. President Miguel Díaz-Canel vowed to honour the dead and condemned the action. As of publication, Havana had not issued a detailed response to the latest US warning.

Oil lifeline under pressure

Estimates suggest Venezuela ships about 35,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba. The administration argues that seizures of sanctioned tankers are worsening Cuba’s fuel and power shortages, tightening pressure on the island’s economy.

Signals from Washington

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Cuba’s leaders “should be worried,” adding they are “in a lot of trouble.” The President also amplified a social post musing that Rubio could one day be president of Cuba, commenting, “Sounds good to me!” These statements underscored the hard line.

What to watch next

Key indicators include any formal US conditions for talks, Cuban counter-measures, and confirmed changes to Venezuela-Cuba oil shipments. Markets and regional partners will track whether pressure yields negotiations or deepens a standoff.

Clear summary of the latest developments

The White House is using the post-Maduro moment to squeeze Havana, with a public ultimatum and threats to cut the Venezuela lifeline. Cuba has acknowledged casualties but has not detailed a response, leaving the next move uncertain.