President Donald Trump said in a radio interview on Nov. 12 that he would consider a military campaign against Cuba before his term ends in January 2029, framing the move as a potential solution to the island’s economic and political crisis.
Trump signals openness to military intervention
During an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump stated he wanted to "get Cuba done" before leaving office and would "certainly consider" a brief military operation. When pressed on whether he would approve a week-long campaign, he replied, "I would be, I would certainly consider that, yes."
Trump described Cuba as a "failed" nation and said his administration is "watching it very closely." He also praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio, whose parents immigrated from Cuba, calling him a "talented guy" who "would love to do that."
Policy shifts under Trump’s second term
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump reinstated the "maximum pressure" campaign against Cuba, leading to a breakdown in formal U.S.-Cuba relations. The administration has intensified sanctions, restricted oil shipments, and escalated legal actions, including the indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro on murder charges in May.
The U.S. military’s operation in Venezuela in January resulted in the removal of Nicolás Maduro, further isolating Cuba by cutting off subsidized Venezuelan oil—a critical economic lifeline. These measures have contributed to Cuba’s severe economic and energy crisis in recent months.
Political and diplomatic context
Trump’s remarks come amid shifting U.S. foreign policy priorities, including the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began in late February with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. The president has acknowledged that the Iran conflict contributed to Republican losses in recent midterm elections, while Vice President JD Vance cited it as the "real reason" for the GOP’s electoral setbacks.
Rubio, a vocal advocate for U.S. intervention in Cuba, previously called on those seeking change in Cuba to "seize this opportunity" to collaborate with the CIA. Trump has repeatedly referenced his strong support among Cuban-American voters in Florida, where he won 94% of the vote in 2020.
The president’s comments follow a period of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba, with no immediate indication of diplomatic engagement or de-escalation.